# Biju Patnaik Aviation Center: A Detailed Assessment of Odisha’s Air Transport Nexus

BPD Airport (BBI), located in Bhubaneswar, functions as a crucial infrastructure pillar for Eastern India’s aviation network. Rechristened after the ex- Chief Minister along with freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this aerodrome has developed from a local airstrip into a strategic international access point handling more than 4.6 million passengers annually.

Chronological Growth and Crucial Relevance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Founding and Early Development

Opened on 17 April 1962, the airport emerged as Odisha’s first public flight infrastructure. Its position – 3 km from the urban core of Bhubaneswar – offered strategic accessibility.

### COVID-19 Adaptation and Post-COVID Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted BBI’s international ambitions, halting commencing connections to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Nonetheless, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with India’s largest carrier initiating flights to DXB, Singapore, and Bangkok.

Facilities and Functional Capacities

### Terminal Infrastructure

BBI’s dual-terminal system efficiently segregates domestic and global traffic:

– T1: Contains eighteen registration desks

– T2: Includes 6 check-in counters

### Runway and Flight Control

The airport’s primary runway (14/32) extends 2,743m, able to accommodating wide-body aircraft.

## Economic Impact and Community Advantages

### Travel Industry Expansion

Odisha’s tourist arrivals surged to 32 lakh in 2024, linked to BBI’s enhanced connectivity.

### Job Creation

AAI reports 8.4K employment opportunities across airport operations, shopping, and aviation management.