Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BPIA), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a regional facility into a key international gateway managing more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
## Historical Evolution and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its site – 3000 meters from the capital’s downtown area – provided convenient access.
### Pandemic Resilience and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing initial routes to KL and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 experienced a robust resurgence with IndiGo initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Developments and Operational Capabilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup strategically divides internal and global traffic:
– Domestic Terminal: Includes eighteen registration desks
– T2: Offers six registration desks
### Airstrip and Flight Control
The principal airstrip (Runway 14-32) extends 2,743m, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
Financial Influence and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, associated with BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities in airport operations, retail, and air traffic control.
