Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point managing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Opened on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its location – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – provided strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier launching flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides national and overseas traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– T2: Includes 6 check-in counters
### Runway and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 2.7 kilometers, able to handling wide-body aircraft.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs across ground handling, retail, and aviation management.