BPD Airport (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a local airstrip into a strategic international portal managing over 4.6 million passengers each year.
Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its location – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s international ambitions, pausing initial routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with IndiGo initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s dual-terminal system effectively separates internal and global traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Includes six registration desks
### Airstrip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (Runway 14-32) extends 2.7 kilometers, able to handling wide-body aircraft.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, shopping, and flight navigation.
