Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a regional facility into a key international portal managing above 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal became Odisha’s inaugural commercial aviation facility. Its position – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – ensured convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, pausing commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and global traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– T2: Includes six registration desks
### Runway and Aviation Navigation
The airport’s primary runway (RWY 14) measures 9,000 feet, equipped for managing jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 32 million in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates over eight thousand positions throughout terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.