City airport sees growth in air, passenger traffic

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has come out with its 12-year performance report, highlighting significant growth in air traffic, passenger handling and connectivity.

The report, prepared and compiled by BPIA staff, revealed that aircraft movements at BPIA surged from 10,765 in 2014-15 to 38,416 in 2025-26, marking a threefold rise. Passenger traffic also grew significantly, climbing from 1.4 million in 2014-15 to 5.1 million in 2025-26.BPIA director Prasanna Pradhan said that in order to support growth, BPIA has undertaken extensive modernisation and infrastructural upgrades.

“The key projects include runway re-carpeting, installation of a CAT-II instrument landing system, construction of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower-cum-technical block with advanced CNS facilities, implementation of the indigenous ATC automation system and expansion of apron and taxiway facilities.

A new link building between Terminal-1 and Terminal-2 has also been added, enabling integrated operations with passenger boarding bridges,” he added.

Officials said cargo operations, launched in 2017, have grown to handle approximately 11,167 metric tonnes annually, providing vital market access to Odisha’s farmers, fishermen and businesses. The airport has also successfully managed major events and VIP movements, including the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup and the G20 meetings in the same year and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas last year.BPIA has introduced innovative passenger-centric initiatives such as Flybrary, India’s first airport library, and cultural showcases promoting Odisha’s heritage. Regular emergency preparedness drills, including anti-hijacking and fire exercises, further strengthen public safety. On June 15, coinciding with Odisha’s traditional Raja festival, the airport will celebrate Yatri Suvidha Diwas, a day dedicated to passenger facilitation and service excellence.