Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point handling more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Chronological Growth and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its position – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 experienced a significant rebound with IndiGo launching flights to DXB, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and international traffic:
– T1: Features eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints
### Airstrip and Aviation Navigation
The airport’s primary runway (14/32) measures 2,743m, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates 8.4K employment opportunities across terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.