BPD Airport (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has evolved from a regional facility into a key international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The global health emergency temporarily halted BBI’s global aspirations, pausing initial routes to KL and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 experienced a robust resurgence with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s dual-terminal system effectively separates internal and overseas traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) spans 2,743m, able to managing wide-body aircraft.
## Economic Impact and Public Value
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx increased twofold to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Employment Generation
AAI reports over eight thousand positions in terminal services, retail, and air traffic control.