## Biju Patnaik International Airport: An In-Depth Examination of Odisha’s Flight Network Core

BPD Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), located in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical infrastructure pillar for East India’s flight system. Renamed after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this air hub has developed from a local airstrip into an essential international portal managing above 4.6 million passengers annually.

Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Founding and Early Development

Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport was designated Odisha’s primary civil air transport center. Its position – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – ensured convenient access.

### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-COVID Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, pausing inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 witnessed a significant rebound with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.

Developments and Operational Capabilities

### Terminal Facilities

BBI’s paired terminal arrangement strategically divides internal and global traffic:

– Domestic Terminal: Features 18 check-in counters

– International Terminal: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints

### Landing Strip and Flight Control

The airport’s primary runway (14/32) spans 2,743m, able to accommodating jumbo jets.

Financial Influence and Public Value

### Visitor Sector Development

Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 million in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Employment Generation

Official statistics show 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, shopping, and air traffic control.