Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a regional facility into a strategic international gateway handling over 4.6 million passengers annually.

Chronological Growth and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception 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 Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided strategic accessibility.

### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery

The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, halting commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 experienced a significant rebound with 6E airline initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, plus Bangkok.

Developments and Functional Capacities

### Passenger Buildings

BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides internal and global traffic:

– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks

– International Terminal: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints

### Airstrip and Flight Control

The airport’s primary runway (Runway 14-32) extends 2,743m, capable of accommodating large planes.

## Economic Impact and Public Value

### Visitor Sector Development

Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.

### Work Opportunities

AAI reports over eight thousand positions throughout terminal services, shopping, and aviation management.