Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Named after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a local airstrip into an essential international portal processing above 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Historical Development and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its site – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – provided strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with 6E airline initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates domestic and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains 18 check-in counters
– T2: Offers six registration desks
### Runway and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 9,000 feet, equipped for accommodating large planes.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s traveler influx surged to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates over eight thousand positions throughout airport operations, retail, and air traffic control.
