BPD Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Named after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a regional facility into a strategic international access point processing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Historical Development and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its site – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s global aspirations, halting inaugural flights to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with 6E airline initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement efficiently segregates internal and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– T2: Provides six registration desks
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) extends 2,743m, capable of managing wide-body aircraft.
## Economic Impact and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 32 million in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities throughout airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.
