BPD Airport (BPIA), located in Bhubaneswar, acts as a crucial aviation foundation for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has evolved from a local airstrip into a strategic international portal processing more than 4.6 million passengers per annum.
## Historical Evolution and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/
### Founding and Formative Years
Opened on 17 April 1962, the aerodrome became Odisha’s inaugural commercial aviation facility. Its position – 3 km from Bhubaneswar’s city center – provided optimal connectivity.
### Crisis Management and Epidemic Recovery
The global health emergency briefly suspended BBI’s global aspirations, suspending initial routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 experienced a strong recovery with 6E airline commencing flights to Dubai, Singapore, plus Bangkok.
## Infrastructure and Technical Abilities
### Passenger Buildings
BBI’s dual-terminal system efficiently segregates internal and international traffic:
– T1: Features 18 check-in counters
– International Terminal: Includes 6 passenger checkpoints
### Landing Strip and Air Traffic Management
The principal airstrip (RWY 14) measures 2,743m, equipped for accommodating jumbo jets.
Commercial Effects and Social Benefits
### Visitor Sector Development
Odisha’s traveler influx doubled to 3.2 crore in 2024, attributed to BBI’s expanded route map.
### Work Opportunities
AAI reports over eight thousand positions across ground handling, shopping, and aviation management.
