BPD Airport (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into an essential international portal processing above 4.6 million passengers annually.
Chronological Growth and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Initial Growth
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s primary commercial aviation facility. Its site – 1.8 miles from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided optimal connectivity.
### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery
The coronavirus crisis briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, halting commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with 6E airline commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates internal and global traffic:
– T1: Includes eighteen registration desks
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 check-in counters
### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management
The main landing strip (RWY 14) extends 2,743m, capable of managing jumbo jets.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s tourist arrivals increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.