BPD Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for the region’s air connectivity. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a regional facility into an essential international access point handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3000 meters from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, pausing commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with 6E airline initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement efficiently segregates domestic and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Features eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 9,000 feet, able to managing jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s visitor numbers increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs in airport operations, commerce, and aviation management.
