BPD Airport (BBI), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a local airstrip into a key international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Initial Growth
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome emerged as Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its location – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates domestic and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Contains 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Runway and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) extends 2.7 kilometers, capable of managing large planes.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Work Opportunities
AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs across terminal services, commerce, and flight navigation.
