Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Named after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a local airstrip into a strategic international portal handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
Historical Development and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport was designated Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its position – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, suspending initial routes to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Functional Capacities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates internal and overseas traffic:
– T1: Features eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) measures 2,743m, able to handling jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.
