Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the ex- Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has transitioned from a provincial terminal into a key international portal handling above 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its position – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – offered convenient access.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s dual-terminal system efficiently segregates domestic and global traffic:
– Terminal 1: Features 18 check-in counters
– Terminal 2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Airstrip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) extends 2.7 kilometers, capable of managing large planes.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s traveler influx surged to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs throughout ground handling, commerce, and aviation management.