Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), positioned in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical aviation foundation for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point processing above 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome was designated Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its position – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided optimal connectivity.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-Pandemic Revival
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s international ambitions, halting initial routes to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates national and overseas traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Features 18 passenger checkpoints
– T2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 9,000 feet, capable of accommodating jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates over eight thousand positions across terminal services, commerce, and air traffic control.