Biju Patnaik International Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) is not merely the air gateway to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state, but also a tribute to the distinguished politician and aviator Biju Patnaik. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, the airport is one of the fastest-growing in India and serves as a key transport hub for the eastern part of the country. It combines modern infrastructure with elements reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage, making it comfortable and interesting for travellers. Today, it is the 15th busiest airport in the country, constantly undergoing modernisation for passenger convenience.

Biju Patnaik Airport offers travellers a high level of comfort and efficiency. It consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 serves domestic flights, while Terminal 2 serves international ones. In 2024, a modern connecting building was opened between them, significantly simplifying transit for passengers. Terminal 1 was built with environmental standards in mind, making it one of the "greenest" in the country. In the past, the airport was recognised as the best in India for customer satisfaction.

One of the key features of the airport is its active development. Work is constantly underway to expand capacity to handle growing passenger traffic, which is planned to reach 8 million people per year in the coming years. Additionally, the airport boasts a modern international cargo terminal that plays a vital role in the region's economy, providing direct air cargo services to cities such as Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. Inside the terminals, passengers can utilise lounges, shops, and cafes, making the wait for flights more pleasant.

To ensure your journey runs smoothly, we have compiled the essential contact information for Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI). Save this to keep it handy.

• Official Website: You will find all current information regarding flights, services, and regulations on the official airport portal, maintained by the Airports Authority of India (AAI): www.aai.aero/en/airports/bhubaneswar
• Helpline Phone: For general enquiries and immediate information, you can call one of the helpline numbers or the terminal manager: +91 674 259 6322, +91 674 259 6300.
• Airport Address: Airport Rd, Aerodrome Area, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751020, India.
• Email: For official requests and general questions, you can write to the airport administration's email address: apdbbsr@aai.aero.
• Social Media: It is convenient to follow news and quick updates on the airport's official page on the social network X (formerly Twitter): @aaibbsrairport.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost your luggage, first contact your airline's counter. If your items were lost within the terminal premises, contact the airport's Lost & Found service by visiting the terminal manager's office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For issues related to assistance for passengers with reduced mobility or other special needs, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance, as well as notify the airport helpline for the best coordination upon arrival or before departure.

Getting to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) from the centre of Bhubaneswar is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from key areas of the city. Depending on your budget, time, and amount of luggage, you can choose one of several convenient modes of transport.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Local buses run throughout the city with routes passing near the airport. This is a good choice for travellers with light luggage looking to save money. A bus ride can cost just a few dozen rupees. Bhubaneswar's main railway station is also located nearby, approximately 5-6 km from the airport. From there, you can quickly reach the terminal by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. You can use pre-paid taxi services, counters for which are easily found in the city, or book a car via mobile apps such as Uber or Ola, which are widely used in India. A trip from the city centre will take approximately 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Auto-rickshaws are an excellent option for short trips and those wishing to experience local flair, but they are less comfortable if you have large luggage.

Car Rental can be a good solution for those planning to travel extensively around the city and its surroundings. Both local and international rental companies operate in Bhubaneswar, offering cars with drivers or for self-driving. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking located directly at the terminal.

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) consists of two main passenger terminals, conveniently located next to each other. Terminal 1 (T1) serves all domestic flights, being the main and busiest building of the airport. Terminal 2 (T2) is designated for international flights. Such clear specialisation simplifies navigation for passengers.

Terminal 1 is a modern and spacious building that serves as the primary hub for those travelling within India. The terminal structure is intuitive: the departure area with numerous check-in counters and security checkpoints is on the upper level, while the arrival area with baggage claim belts is on the lower level. Here you will find a good selection of shops, food courts, and several business lounges for a comfortable wait. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities calmly.

Terminal 2, serving international destinations, is a refurbished old terminal building. It is significantly smaller and quieter than Terminal 1, making procedures quite fast. All necessary services are available here: check-in counters, passport control, and customs. Despite a more modest selection of services, the terminal is fully functional for international travellers. For flights abroad, allow at least 2.5-3 hours for pre-flight procedures.

Moving between terminals is effortless — they are connected by a convenient walkway, and the distance between them can easily be covered on foot in a few minutes. This is particularly convenient for passengers transferring from a domestic flight to an international one and vice versa. The airport is generally quite compact, and clear signage in English and local languages helps you orient yourself easily. Simply follow the signs, and you will find your required gate or exit without any issues.

The history of Biju Patnaik International Airport is closely intertwined with the history of aviation and political development in the state of Odisha. The airport received its name in honour of a legendary figure — Biju Patnaik, who was not only a prominent politician and twice the Chief Minister of the state but also a daring pilot. His feats in aviation, including participation in risky rescue missions, made him a national hero, and the airport's name became a tribute to his legacy.

The airfield in Bhubaneswar was originally built in the 1940s and used for military purposes. After India gained independence, it was transferred to civil administration and began to gradually develop as a domestic airport serving the state capital. For many decades, it was a modest regional node providing connections to major cities in the country, such as Delhi and Kolkata.

A key stage in the airport's transformation began in the 21st century. Recognising the growing economic and tourism importance of Bhubaneswar, the government initiated a large-scale modernisation. The culmination of this process was the opening on 5 March 2013 of the new modern Terminal T1, designed for domestic flights. This event paved the way for the next important step: on 30 October 2013, the airport was officially granted international status. Following this, the old terminal (T2) was renovated and refitted to serve international flights.

Since obtaining international status, Biju Patnaik Airport continues to demonstrate impressive growth in passenger traffic. It has become a vital hub for tourists heading to the ancient temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark, as well as for business travellers. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in eastern India, constantly improving its infrastructure to meet growing demands.

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) offers passengers a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants offering both local cuisine and familiar international snacks. For those wishing to shop, there are stores including Duty Free, souvenir shops, and book stalls.

For a more comfortable wait for your flight, the airport features premium lounges (VIP lounges), where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices are located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at Bhubaneswar Airport thanks to the presence of ATMs and currency exchange counters. In case of feeling unwell or needing medical advice, a 24-hour medical centre operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For travellers with small children, mother and childcare rooms are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility are offered assistance in moving around the terminal, including wheelchairs, which can be booked in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, there are many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget in the immediate vicinity. Specialised conference rooms are absent in the airport; however, basic business services, such as internet access and quiet work areas, can be found in the paid lounges.

At Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), travellers will find diverse dining options to help pass the time while waiting for a flight. Here you can have a quick snack or a full meal, choosing between fast-service establishments and restaurants featuring local cuisine.

The majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in Terminal 1, which serves domestic flights. After passing security control (airside), there is a food court presenting various gastronomic concepts. Here you can find popular Indian fast-food chains as well as establishments offering North and South Indian dishes. In the arrivals area and before security control (landside), the selection is usually more modest and limited to a few coffee shops.

If you wish to explore local cuisine, look for establishments offering dishes from the state of Odisha. This is an excellent opportunity to try delicacies such as Dahibara Aloo Dum (lentil dumplings in yoghurt with potato curry) or the famous dessert Chhena Poda (baked cottage cheese cake). For those preferring something more familiar, sandwiches, pastries, pizza, and Chinese cuisine are always available.

Indian cuisine is very diverse in terms of vegetarian dishes, so finding meat-free options will not be difficult. Many establishments are marked "Pure Veg", which is helpful for those seeking strictly vegetarian or Halal-friendly vegetarian meals. It may be more challenging with gluten-free or specific dietary requests, although South Indian restaurants often serve dishes made from rice flour, such as dosa. For a quick snack, coffee shops are ideal, while for a hearty lunch, restaurants in the food court serving set meals (thali) are recommended.

Food prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. Some key coffee shops may operate around the clock, but it is better to verify on-site.

To ensure your journey from Bhubaneswar is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with a few useful tips for using Biju Patnaik International Airport. A thoughtful approach will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within India, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. At many Indian airports, you are required to show a printout of your ticket or its electronic version to enter the terminal, so keep your documents ready. To save time, use the online check-in service offered by most airlines.

Security Checks. Be prepared for several stages of security screening. In hand luggage, all electronic devices (laptops, tablets, power banks) must be placed in a separate tray. Incidentally, power banks are permitted only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage. Liquids may be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy the views during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. When flying from Bhubaneswar, you can see the picturesque landscapes of Odisha. For passengers with transfers, it is important to follow the "Transit" signs. If you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to pass through passport and customs control, collect your luggage, and check it in again.

Customs Control. Upon arrival on an international flight, it is necessary to fill out an immigration card. Customs have "Green" and "Red" channels. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green" channel. Otherwise, approach customs officers in the "Red" channel.

What to do in case of flight delay? In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for the latest information. The airport has cafes, shops, and waiting lounges where you can spend time. Having travel insurance that covers flight delays can be very useful for compensating unforeseen expenses.