BPD Airport (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a local airstrip into an essential international gateway processing over 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its position – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – offered convenient access.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-Pandemic Revival
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending initial routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s dual-terminal system efficiently segregates domestic and overseas traffic:
– T1: Includes eighteen registration desks
– T2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (Runway 14-32) extends 9,000 feet, capable of managing wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Employment Generation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions throughout terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.
