BPD Airport (BPIA), positioned in Bhubaneswar, serves as a vital transportation cornerstone for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the ex- Chief Minister and freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has developed from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point processing above 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Inception and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome was designated Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – ensured strategic accessibility.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis temporarily halted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending inaugural flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 experienced a robust resurgence with IndiGo launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates internal and international traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Includes 18 passenger checkpoints
– Terminal 2: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The principal airstrip (14/32) spans 2.7 kilometers, capable of managing jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Community Advantages
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s expanded route map.
### Employment Generation
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs across terminal services, shopping, and air traffic control.