Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a regional facility into a strategic international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Opened on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its position – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – ensured strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, halting initial routes to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates national and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Offers six registration desks
### Airstrip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) spans 9,000 feet, able to managing wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities throughout terminal services, commerce, and air traffic control.