Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital aviation foundation for Eastern India’s aviation network. Named after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a regional facility into a key international portal managing over 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal became Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its site – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – ensured convenient access.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, pausing commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates domestic and international traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Provides 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (14/32) spans 2.7 kilometers, capable of accommodating large planes.
## Economic Impact and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions throughout terminal services, shopping, and aviation management.