BPD Airport (BBI), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital aviation foundation for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a regional facility into an essential international portal handling over 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its location – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates national and global traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Includes eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) spans 9,000 feet, capable of accommodating large planes.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Employment Generation
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions across terminal services, shopping, and aviation management.