Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, functions as a vital transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has evolved from a regional facility into an essential international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Initial Growth
Opened on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its site – 3 km from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, halting commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s dual-terminal system strategically divides national and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes 18 check-in counters
– Terminal 2: Includes 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) measures 2.7 kilometers, equipped for handling large planes.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Work Opportunities
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions across terminal services, commerce, and aviation management.
