Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Named after the ex- Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a provincial terminal into an essential international portal managing above 4.6 million passengers each year.

Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Founding and Initial Growth

Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport was designated Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its position – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – provided convenient access.

### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery

The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, pausing commencing connections to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with IndiGo launching flights to UAE, Singapore, plus Bangkok.

## Infrastructure and Operational Capabilities

### Passenger Buildings

BBI’s paired terminal arrangement efficiently segregates internal and international traffic:

– Terminal 1: Contains eighteen registration desks

– T2: Offers 6 check-in counters

### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation

The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 2.7 kilometers, able to handling jumbo jets.

## Economic Impact and Public Value

### Travel Industry Expansion

Odisha’s traveler influx surged to 32 lakh in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.

### Work Opportunities

AAI reports over eight thousand positions across ground handling, commerce, and flight navigation.