Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, serves as a critical aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Renamed after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a local airstrip into a key international access point handling more than 4.6 million passengers each year.
Chronological Growth and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the air terminal was designated Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – ensured strategic accessibility.
### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-Pandemic Revival
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s overseas expansion plans, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok.
Facilities and Functional Capacities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides domestic and overseas traffic:
– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks
– International Terminal: Offers six registration desks
### Runway and Flight Control
The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) measures 2.7 kilometers, able to accommodating jumbo jets.
## Economic Impact and Community Advantages
### Travel Industry Expansion
Odisha’s traveler influx surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.
### Job Creation
Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities in airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.