BPD Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a crucial infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a regional facility into an essential international access point handling above 4.6 million passengers annually.
Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Initial Growth
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured optimal connectivity.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, pausing initial routes to KL and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a robust resurgence with IndiGo initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and international traffic:
– Terminal 1: Features 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Includes six registration desks
### Runway and Aviation Navigation
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) measures 2.7 kilometers, capable of handling wide-body aircraft.
Commercial Effects and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions across terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.