BPD Airport (BBI), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for Eastern India’s aviation network. Named after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has transitioned from a regional facility into a key international gateway handling above 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Early Development
Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s first civil air transport center. Its site – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – provided optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, halting inaugural flights to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 saw a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier launching flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Facilities
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates domestic and international traffic:
– T1: Contains 18 passenger checkpoints
– Terminal 2: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Flight Control
The airport’s primary runway (RWY 14) extends 2.7 kilometers, able to accommodating wide-body aircraft.
Financial Influence and Public Value
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 million in 2024, linked to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs throughout terminal services, retail, and air traffic control.