BPD Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), positioned in Bhubaneswar, acts as a vital aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Renamed after the former Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a provincial terminal into an essential international access point handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.

Chronological Growth and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Inception and Early Development

Opened on 17 April 1962, the air terminal emerged as Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its location – 3 km from the capital’s downtown area – offered convenient access.

### Crisis Management and Post-Pandemic Revival

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s international ambitions, suspending inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier commencing flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.

## Infrastructure and Functional Capacities

### Terminal Facilities

BBI’s two-terminal setup efficiently segregates domestic and global traffic:

– T1: Includes 18 check-in counters

– International Terminal: Provides six registration desks

### Airstrip and Air Traffic Management

The main landing strip (14/32) measures 2,743m, capable of managing large planes.

Financial Influence and Public Value

### Tourism Growth

Odisha’s visitor numbers surged to 3.2 crore in 2024, linked to BBI’s improved network.

### Job Creation

Official statistics show over eight thousand positions throughout airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.