Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BBI), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical transportation cornerstone for Eastern India’s aviation network. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has transitioned from a regional facility into an essential international gateway processing above 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the air terminal became Odisha’s inaugural civil air transport center. Its site – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – ensured optimal connectivity.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with 6E airline commencing flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates domestic and international traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes eighteen registration desks
– T2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Runway and Aviation Navigation
The airport’s primary runway (Runway 14-32) spans 2,743m, able to accommodating large planes.
## Economic Impact and Social Benefits
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 32 lakh in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities across terminal services, commerce, and aviation management.