Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), positioned in Bhubaneswar, functions as a critical transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the former Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a provincial terminal into an essential international access point managing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with IndiGo initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s dual-terminal system effectively separates internal and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes 18 passenger checkpoints
– International Terminal: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (14/32) spans 9,000 feet, capable of handling jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s visitor numbers increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Work Opportunities
AAI reports over eight thousand positions throughout ground handling, commerce, and aviation management.