Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a provincial terminal into a key international portal processing over 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome emerged as Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its position – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – provided convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, halting initial routes to KL and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– International Terminal: Includes six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (RWY 14) spans 2,743m, able to managing wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Public Value
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 million in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions across terminal services, retail, and aviation management.
