Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical aviation foundation for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into a key international gateway managing over 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Early Development
Opened on 17 April 1962, the air terminal became Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its position – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending initial routes to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a significant rebound with IndiGo commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates national and overseas traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– T2: Provides six registration desks
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 2,743m, capable of handling large planes.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities in ground handling, commerce, and aviation management.