Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), positioned in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has evolved from a local airstrip into an essential international access point managing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its location – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided convenient access.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier launching flights to UAE, Singapore, and Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides internal and international traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (14/32) spans 2.7 kilometers, capable of accommodating jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, associated with BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities in terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.