Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has evolved from a provincial terminal into a key international portal handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Opened on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its site – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, suspending inaugural flights to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides internal and global traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– Terminal 2: Provides six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) extends 9,000 feet, able to accommodating large planes.
## Economic Impact and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities across terminal services, commerce, and aviation management.