Biju Patnaik Airport

{{Redirect|BBI Airport|the German airport formerly abbreviated/titled as BBI (Berlin Brandenburg International)|Berlin Brandenburg Airport}}

{{Infobox airport

| name = Biju Patnaik Airport

| image = BBI-T1 (2).jpg

| image2 = File:2025-01-21-00 00 2025-01-21-23 59 Sentinel-2 L2A True color.jpg

| caption2 = Satellite image of the airport

| IATA = BBI

| ICAO = VEBS

| type = Public

| owner =

| operator =

| owner-oper = Airports Authority of India

| city-served = Bhubaneswar

| location = Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

| opened = {{start date and age|1962|04|17|df=y|p=n|br=n}}

| hub = IndiaOne Air, IndiGo

| focus_city =

| metric-elev = yes

| elevation-m = 42

| elevation-f = 138

| coordinates = {{coord|20|14|40|N|085|49|04|E|display=inline,title}}

| pushpin_map = India Odisha#India

| pushpin_label = BBI

| website = [https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Airport]

| metric-rwy = Y

| r1-number = 05/23

| r1-length-m = 1,379

| r1-length-f = 4,525

| r1-surface = Asphalt

| r2-number = 14/32

| r2-length-m = 2743

| r2-length-f = 9000

| r2-surface = Asphalt

| stat-year = April 2024 – March 2025

| stat1-header = Passengers

| stat1-data = 4,838,751 ({{increase}} 5.2%)

| stat3-header = Aircraft movements

| stat3-data = 37,205 ({{increase}} 5.2%)

| stat4-header = Cargo tonnage

| stat4-data = 9,086 ({{decrease}} 7.9%)

| footnotes = Source: AAI{{cite web|title=Annexure III – Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex3.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}{{cite web|title=Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex2.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}{{cite web|title=Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k25Annex4.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=26 April 2025}}

| nativename =

| mapframe = Yes

| mapframe-zoom = 10

| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in Odisha

}}

Biju Patnaik Airport {{Airport codes|BBI|VEBS}} is an international airport serving Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, India. It is situated around {{convert|4|km}} south-west of Bhubaneswar Railway Station and {{convert|6|km}} from the city center.{{cite web |url=http://aera.gov.in/content/airports/bhubaneswar-airport.php |title=Bhubaneswar Airport |work=Airport Economic Regulatory Authority |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129010802/http://aera.gov.in/content/airports/bhubaneswar-airport.php |archive-date=29 January 2019|url-status=live}}

Named after Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, famed aviator and freedom fighter, it is the 15th busiest airport in India and the 11th busiest among the airports maintained by the Airports Authority of India. It is the 19th busiest airport in India in terms of cargo traffic. In the fiscal year 2024-25, it handled over 4.8 million passengers and around 9.1 thousand metric tonnes of cargo.

History

The airport was dedicated to the people of Odisha on 17 April 1962, becoming the first ever commercial airport in the state. The airport boasts two active scheduled passenger terminals, Terminals 1 and 2, for domestic and international passengers respectively.

In March 2013, the former Minister of Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, inaugurated Terminal 1, which caters to domestic passengers, whereas Terminal 2 was then refurbished to handle international operations.{{cite news|title=New terminal at Bhubaneswar airport starts operations|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/new-terminal-at-bhubaneswar-airport-starts-operations-113031400359_1.html|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230231810/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/new-terminal-at-bhubaneswar-airport-starts-operations-113031400359_1.html|archive-date=30 December 2013|url-status=live}} The Government of India accorded international status to the airport on 30 October 2013 after Air India started flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and AirAsia started flights to Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news|title=Centre accords international tag to Bhubaneswar airport|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Centre-accords-international-tag-to-Bhubaneswar-airport/articleshow/24959224.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=31 October 2013|access-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000543/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-31/bhubaneswar/43558773_1_new-domestic-terminal-bhubaneswar-airport-international-terminal|archive-date=31 December 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bhubaneswar-bangkok-direct-flight-from-december-10-4968974/|title=Air India to commence Bhubaneswar to Bangkok direct flights from December 10|work=Indian Express|access-date=5 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/airasia-starts-operations-on-kuala-lumpur-bhubaneswar-route-1686576|title=AirAsia starts Operations on Kuala Lumpur-Bhubaneswar Route|website=www.ntvprofit.com|access-date=27 April 2017}} However, these routes were terminated later due to Covid-19.{{cite web|url=https://odishatv.in/odisha/air-india-suspends-bhubaneswar-bangkok-flight-service-308914|title=Air India Suspends Bhubaneswar to Bangkok Flight Service|website=Odisha TV|access-date=17 July 2018}} International operations recommenced from Bhubaneswar in May 2023 after IndiGo started direct flights to Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore.{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230403-6ebbi|title=INDIGO ADDS BHUBANESWAR – DUBAI FROM MAY 2023|work=Aeroroutes|accessdate=3 April 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/economy-infra/aviation/news-indigo-adds-flights-to-singapore-bangkok-after-go-first-cancels-flights-interglobe-aviation-share-price-on-bse-nse-233237|title=IndiGo strengthens connectivity to Southeast Asia, adds flights connecting Singapore, Bangkok|work=Zee Business|date=3 May 2023 |accessdate=3 May 2023}} In May 2023, the airport opened a 4 MW solar plant, which switched it to a fully sustainable and energy-saving airport, by running entirely on renewable energy.{{cite news|author1=Raj, Amulya|title=Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport Becomes Self-Sustainable, Installs 4 MP Solar Power Plant|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/bhubaneswars-biju-patnaik-international-airport-becomes-self-sustainable-installs-4-mp-solar-power-plant/ar-AA1aQBrr|work=Zee News|date=7 May 2023|access-date=9 May 2023|language=en}} In May 2024, AirAsia resumed international operations from the airport with flights to Kuala Lumpur.{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240314-akmay24bbi|title=AirAsia resumes Kuala Lumpur - Bhubaneswar service in 2Q24|website=AeroRoutes|access-date=14 March 2024}}

Infrastructure

Biju Patnaik Airport serves as one of Eastern India's major civil aviation hubs. The airport boasts two actively scheduled passenger terminals, Terminals 1 and 2.

=Terminals=

==Terminal 1==

File:Biju Patnaik International Airport.jpg

Inaugurated in March 2013, the terminal has a capacity of 4 million passengers per annum and was built at a cost of {{INR}} 1.45 billion by Lanco Infratech.{{cite news|title=Lanco Infratech bags Rs 92 cr order from AAI|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/lanco-infratech-bags-rs-92-cr-order-from-aai-110060400202_1.html|access-date=30 December 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=4 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235519/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/lanco-infratech-bags-rs-92-cr-order-from-aai-110060400202_1.html|archive-date=30 December 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Singha|first=Minati|title=International airport to take off by June|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/International-airport-to-take-off-by-June/articleshow/18804322.cms|access-date=5 March 2013|newspaper=Times of India|date=5 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924202711/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/International-airport-to-take-off-by-June/articleshow/18804322.cms|archive-date=24 September 2016|url-status=live}}

The AAI has developed the new terminal as part of the upgrade of 35 non-metro airports across the country.{{cite news|title=March date for swanky airport|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111208/jsp/odisha/story_14853822.jsp#.UUXeKRxkMWU|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=8 August 2011|location=Calcutta, India|first=Bibhuti|last=Barik|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801062503/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111208/jsp/odisha/story_14853822.jsp#.UUXeKRxkMWU|archive-date=1 August 2013|url-status=dead}} Terminal 1, a two-storied building with a total area of {{convert|18240|sqm|sqft}}, consists of 4 aerobridges, 4 elevators, several escalators, 18 check-in counters, 3 arrival luggage conveyors, a spa, and multiple seating areas. Apart from the Departure and Arrival Lounges, Terminal 1 also has several other lounges, including VIP Lounges, Pal Heights Spa Lounge, Dakota Lounge, and Mayfair Lounge.{{cite news|last=Barik|first=Bibhuti|title=Airport work speeds up – Capital set for take-off in style|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110624/jsp/orissa/story_14152627.jsp|access-date=17 March 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=24 June 2011|location=Calcutta, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801070511/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110624/jsp/orissa/story_14152627.jsp|archive-date=1 August 2013|url-status=dead}} The terminal is environment-friendly, built according to green building standards with sewage treatment plants and provision for rain water harvesting. The internal walls of the terminal are decorated with tribal motifs, designs, masks, and sculptures derived from Odisha's culture.{{cite news|title=New terminal at Bhubaneswar airport thrown open|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/New-terminal-at-Bhubaneswar-airport-thrown-open/articleshow/18824943.cms|access-date=17 March 2013|date=6 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308010939/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-06/bhubaneswar/37499050_1_bhubaneswar-airport-biju-patnaik-airport-wall-facade|archive-date=8 March 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}} The new terminal also has food kiosks, gift shops, bookstores, art galleries and handloom/handicraft kiosks.{{cite news|last=Ramanath V|first=Riyan|title=Plans to provide spa facilities at airport|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Plans-to-provide-spa-facilities-at-airport/articleshow/18343521.cms|access-date=18 March 2013|date=5 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235141/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-05/bhubaneswar/36763902_1_duty-free-shops-jewellery-shop-spa|archive-date=30 December 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}}

==Terminal 2==

Terminal 2 handles international operations. It was built in the mid-1960s to cater domestic flights. The terminal being built over an area of {{convert|6264|sqm|sqft}}, consists of 6 check-in counters, 10 immigration counters, 4 customs counters, numerous amenities and multiple seating areas.{{cite news|title=Bhubaneswar - Technical Information|url=http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/bhubaneshwar_technicalinfo.jsp|access-date=25 May 2017|newspaper=Airports Authority of India|date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607162700/http://www.aai.aero/allAirports/bhubaneshwar_technicalinfo.jsp|archive-date=7 June 2017|url-status=dead}} Constructed with a budget of 872 million, a link building connects Terminal 1 and 2, majorly used for domestic and international arrivals.{{cite web|title=Bhubaneswar airport to get new terminal soon|url=https://odishatv.in/odisha/bhubaneswar-airport-to-get-new-terminal-soon-354704|work=Odisha TV|date=23 February 2019|access-date=23 February 2019}}

==International Cargo Terminal==

With an annual cargo handling capacity of 26,490 metric tonnes, the Biju Patnaik International Airport is one of the major Air Cargo hubs in Eastern India.{{cite web|date=19 December 2012|title=Improvement in Air Cargo Capacity|website= Parliament of India|url=https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/258/AU1299.pdf?source=pqars|access-date=19 December 2022}} Air cargo operations at the airport are managed by Airports Authority of India's Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited, i.e. the AAICLAS.{{cite web|title=AAICLAS: Facilities|website=aaiclas.aero|url=https://www.aaiclas.aero/ground_handling_capabilities|access-date=26 June 2024}}

=Runways=

The airport has two intersecting runways, the primary runway 14/32 for all major operations, and the secondary runway 05/23 for light aircraft operations.

class="wikitable sortable"

|+Runways at BPI Airport

!Runway number

!Length

!Width

!Approach lights/ILS

14/32

|{{convert|2743|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|CAT-I / CAT-II

05/23

|{{convert|1379|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|{{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}}

|CAT-I / CAT-II

Coast Guard Air Enclave

Indian Coast Guard's Air Enclave along with its 743 Dornier Squadron was commissioned by former Vice-Admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard at the Biju Patnaik International Airport on 15 December 2014.{{cite news|title=Coast Guard's new air enclave inaugurated in Bhubaneswar|url=http://www.oneindia.com/india/coast-guards-new-air-enclave-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar-1592811.html|access-date=12 October 2016|date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013074507/http://www.oneindia.com/india/coast-guards-new-air-enclave-inaugurated-in-bhubaneswar-1592811.html|archive-date=13 October 2016|url-status=live}}

The units operate under the operational and administrative control of the Commander of the Coast Guard Region (North East) through the Commander, Coast Guard District No 7 (Odisha). Several strategic air operations are streamlined and synergised for the protection of the sea areas off the Coastal Odisha.{{cite news|title=Commissioning of Coast Guard Air Enclave Bhubaneswar & 743 Squadron (CG) |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=113360|access-date=12 October 2016|date=15 December 2014}}

Airlines and destinations

{{Airport-dest-list

| Air India | Delhi

| {{nowrap|Air India Express}} | Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Ghaziabad,{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/bhubaneswar-now-connected-to-ghaziabad-port-blair-with-direct-flights-services-to-start-from-this-date-101741254962211.html|title=Bhubaneswar to Port Blair, 06 March 2025|publisher=Hindustan times|access-date=6 March 2025}} Hyderabad, Jaipur,{{cn|date=March 2025}} Kochi,{{cn|date=March 2025}} Kolkata, Lucknow,{{cn|date=March 2025}} Mumbai, Patna,{{cn|date=March 2025}} Port Blair,{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/bhubaneswar-now-connected-to-ghaziabad-port-blair-with-direct-flights-services-to-start-from-this-date-101741254962211.html|title=Bhubaneswar to Port Blair, 06 March 2025|publisher=Hindustan times|access-date=6 March 2025}} Pune

| Akasa Air | Bengaluru{{cn|date=March 2025}}

| Alliance Air |Jharsuguda, Kolkata, Rourkela

|IndiaOne Air|Bhawanipatna,{{cite news|last=Cassian|first=Baliarsingh|title=Odisha's Utkela Airport welcomes first flight from Bhubaneswar; check timings, price, other details|url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/odisha-s-utkela-airport-welcomes-first-flight-from-bhubaneswar-check-timings-price-other-details-213694|work=Odisha TV|date=31 August 2023|access-date=31 August 2023|language=en}} Jamshedpur,{{Cite web |date=31 January 2023 |title=Flight links Jamshedpur with Kolkata, Bhubaneswar |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/flight-links-jamshedpur-with-kolkata-bhubaneswar/ar-AA16WiN1 |access-date=31 January 2023 |website=Press Trust of India |language=en-IN}} Jeypore

| IndiGo | Ahmedabad, Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dehradun,{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-indigo-expands-domestic-network-with-new-routes-connecting-bhubaneswar-dehradun-and-srinagar-check-timings-other-detailsnbsp-3704316/|title=IndiGo expands domestic network with new routes connecting Bhubaneswar, Dehradun and Srinagar – Check timings, other details |work=Financial Express|accessdate=31 December 2024}} Delhi, Dubai–International, Durgapur,{{cite news|last=Baliarsingh|first=Cassian|title=IndiGo introduces direct flights from Bhubaneswar to Bagdogra via Durgapur|url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/indigo-introduces-direct-flights-from-bhubaneswar-to-bagdogra-via-durgapur-242931|work=Odisha TV|date=31 August 2024|access-date=1 September 2024|language=en}} Goa–Dabolim ,{{cite news|last=Ranjan|first=Rashmi|title=Bhubaneswar-Goa direct flight from April 2025|url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/bhubaneswar-goa-direct-flight-from-april-2025-258342/amp|work=Odisha TV|date=20 March 2025|access-date=20 March 2025|language=en}} Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai,{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/indigo-to-resume-lucknow-raipur-bhubaneswar-service-from-jun-2023-1203132|title=IndiGo to resume Lucknow-Raipur-Bhubaneswar service from Jun-2023|work=CAPA|accessdate=22 May 2023}} Patna, Prayagraj, Raipur, Ranchi, Singapore, Varanasi

}}

Accidents and incidents

On 22 December 2007, an aircraft of Surya Kiran, Indian Air Force's aerobatics demonstration team, crash-landed while undergoing training exercise. After refuelling and takeoff, one of its four HAL HJT-16 Kiran jets caught fire and crash landed on the runway of Biju Patnaik Airport. The pilot was rescued with minor injuries and the exercise was immediately called off after the mishap.{{cite news |title=IAF aircraft crash landed at Bhubaneswar airport |url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/12/22/iaf-aircraft-crash-landed-at-bhubaneswar-airport-1198310518.html |work=One India |date=22 December 2007 |access-date=2 December 2023}}