## Biju Patnaik International Airport: An In-Depth Examination of Odisha’s Air Transport Nexus

Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a critical transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a regional facility into a key international gateway processing over 4.6 million passengers each year.

## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception and Initial Growth

Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s inaugural public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3000 meters from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered strategic accessibility.

### Pandemic Resilience and Post-Pandemic Revival

The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s international ambitions, suspending commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 saw a strong recovery with 6E airline launching flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.

## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities

### Passenger Buildings

BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates internal and overseas traffic:

– T1: Features eighteen registration desks

– T2: Provides 6 passenger checkpoints

### Runway and Air Traffic Management

The main landing strip (Runway 14-32) extends 2,743m, equipped for managing wide-body aircraft.

Commercial Effects and Social Benefits

### Visitor Sector Development

Odisha’s traveler influx surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Employment Generation

Official statistics show over eight thousand positions in terminal services, retail, and flight navigation.