Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a provincial terminal into a key international gateway processing above 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Initial Growth
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome emerged as Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3000 meters from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing inaugural flights to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s dual-terminal system efficiently segregates internal and international traffic:
– T1: Features eighteen registration desks
– T2: Offers six registration desks
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) spans 2.7 kilometers, equipped for accommodating large planes.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals increased twofold to 32 million in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions in terminal services, shopping, and aviation management.