## Biju Patnaik International Airport: An In-Depth Examination of Odisha’s Aviation Hub

BPD Airport (BBI), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a provincial terminal into a key international portal processing over 4.6 million passengers each year.

Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception and Initial Growth

Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its site – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered convenient access.

### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-COVID Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with IndiGo launching flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.

## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities

### Terminal Infrastructure

BBI’s dual-terminal system strategically divides internal and global traffic:

– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks

– International Terminal: Provides six registration desks

### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation

The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 2,743m, able to handling jumbo jets.

Financial Influence and Public Value

### Tourism Growth

Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 32 million in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.

### Job Creation

AAI reports over eight thousand positions throughout airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.