BPD Airport (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a critical infrastructure pillar for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a local airstrip into a key international portal handling more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
Historical Development and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its site – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, pausing initial routes to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and overseas traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Contains 18 check-in counters
– T2: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) spans 2,743m, equipped for accommodating wide-body aircraft.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions in ground handling, commerce, and flight navigation.
