# Biju Patnaik Air Hub: An In-Depth Examination of Odisha’s Air Transport Nexus

Biju Patnaik Air Terminal (Bhubaneswar Airport), positioned in Bhubaneswar, functions as a critical transportation cornerstone for East India’s flight system. Rechristened after the previous Chief Minister as well as freedom fighter Biju Patnaik, this airport has developed from a local airstrip into a key international access point managing above 4.6 million passengers annually.

## Historical Evolution and Strategic Importance https://airport-bbi.com/

### Establishment and Formative Years

Inaugurated on 17 April 1962, the airport became Odisha’s primary public flight infrastructure. Its position – 1.8 miles from Bhubaneswar’s city center – offered convenient access.

### Pandemic Resilience and Post-COVID Recovery

The coronavirus crisis interrupted BBI’s global aspirations, suspending commencing connections to Malaysia’s capital and Bangkok. Nevertheless, May 2023 witnessed a robust resurgence with IndiGo initiating flights to UAE, Singapore, along with Bangkok.

Facilities and Operational Capabilities

### Terminal Facilities

BBI’s paired terminal arrangement effectively separates domestic and global traffic:

– Terminal 1: Contains 18 check-in counters

– T2: Offers 6 passenger checkpoints

### Runway and Aviation Navigation

The airport’s primary runway (RWY 14) measures 2,743m, equipped for handling large planes.

Commercial Effects and Public Value

### Travel Industry Expansion

Odisha’s tourist arrivals doubled to 32 million in 2024, associated with BBI’s improved network.

### Employment Generation

AAI reports 8,400 direct jobs in terminal services, retail, and aviation management.