Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into a key international portal handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Opened on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its location – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured strategic accessibility.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing commencing connections to KL and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a significant rebound with 6E airline launching flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s dual-terminal system effectively separates internal and international traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Includes 6 check-in counters
### Airstrip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) extends 2,743m, able to managing jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 32 million in 2024, associated with BBI’s improved network.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs across airport operations, commerce, and air traffic control.