BPD Airport (Bhubaneswar Airport), situated in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for the region’s air connectivity. Named after the former Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a provincial terminal into an essential international portal managing more than 4.6 million passengers annually.
## Historical Evolution and Key Significance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Establishment and Formative Years
Commissioned on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s inaugural commercial aviation facility. Its location – 1.8 miles from the capital’s downtown area – offered optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Post-COVID Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted BBI’s overseas expansion plans, suspending inaugural flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. However, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
Developments and Technical Abilities
### Terminal Infrastructure
BBI’s two-terminal setup effectively separates internal and overseas traffic:
– Terminal 1: Includes 18 passenger checkpoints
– Terminal 2: Provides six registration desks
### Landing Strip and Aviation Navigation
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 9,000 feet, able to handling jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Public Value
### Tourism Growth
Odisha’s tourist arrivals increased twofold to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s improved network.
### Job Creation
Airport Authority data indicates 8,400 direct jobs across airport operations, shopping, and flight navigation.
