Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a local airstrip into a key international gateway processing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its site – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – provided strategic accessibility.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, pausing commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier launching flights to UAE, Singapore, and Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides national and international traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Contains eighteen registration desks
– T2: Includes six registration desks
### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) measures 2.7 kilometers, able to accommodating wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 32 million in 2024, associated with BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs across terminal services, retail, and aviation management.