Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a local airstrip into a strategic international gateway managing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
## Historical Evolution and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome emerged as Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its location – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – offered optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-COVID Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, halting inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a significant rebound with IndiGo commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s dual-terminal system strategically divides internal and global traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) extends 9,000 feet, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities throughout airport operations, retail, and flight navigation.