BPD Airport (BBI), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a local airstrip into a key international access point handling over 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its position – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a significant rebound with IndiGo launching flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
Facilities and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement efficiently segregates domestic and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Features eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Air Traffic Management
The principal airstrip (14/32) measures 2,743m, equipped for managing wide-body aircraft.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.
### Work Opportunities
Official statistics show over eight thousand positions in terminal services, shopping, and air traffic control.
