Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point 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 aerodrome was designated Odisha’s first commercial aviation facility. Its location – 3 km from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided optimal connectivity.

### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival

The coronavirus crisis temporarily halted BBI’s global aspirations, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier launching flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.

Facilities and Functional Capacities

### Passenger Buildings

BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides internal and international traffic:

– Domestic Terminal: Features eighteen registration desks

– T2: Offers six registration desks

### Landing Strip and Flight Control

The airport’s primary runway (14/32) spans 9,000 feet, capable of accommodating large planes.

## Economic Impact and Community Advantages

### Travel Industry Expansion

Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Employment Generation

Official statistics show over eight thousand positions throughout terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.