## Biju Patnaik International Airport: An In-Depth Examination of Odisha’s Aviation Hub

Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the previous Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has evolved from a local airstrip into an essential international portal handling above 4.6 million passengers per annum.

Historical Development and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception and Formative Years

Opened on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its site – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – offered convenient access.

### COVID-19 Adaptation and Epidemic Recovery

The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending initial routes to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier launching flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.

Developments and Technical Abilities

### Terminal Facilities

BBI’s dual-terminal system strategically divides national and international traffic:

– T1: Features 18 passenger checkpoints

– Terminal 2: Provides 6 check-in counters

### Runway and Aviation Navigation

The main landing strip (RWY 14) spans 2,743m, equipped for accommodating large planes.

## Economic Impact and Social Benefits

### Travel Industry Expansion

Odisha’s visitor numbers doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Employment Generation

AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs across airport operations, retail, and aviation management.