Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a provincial terminal into a strategic international access point processing over 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Opened on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its site – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – provided optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, pausing initial routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with 6E airline launching flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates national and global traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Features 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Includes six registration desks
### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (14/32) spans 2,743m, capable of managing jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Social Benefits
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs in terminal services, shopping, and flight navigation.
