BHUBANESWAR: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is poised for a significant upgrade with plans for a new terminal as part of a comprehensive expansion strategy aimed at accommodating the growing needs of domestic and international travellers. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced the developments during a recent review of the airport’s facilities.
Currently, Terminal I has a capacity to serve around 40 lakh passengers annually, but with the number of travellers exceeding 50 lakh, the need for increased capacity has become critical. The new terminal is expected to boost capacity to 80 lakh passengers per year, ensuring that BPIA can handle future growth effectively.
Naidu emphasized that permissions for the new terminal are expected to be granted within a month, with construction projected to be completed in the next two years. This expansion is part of a larger initiative to enhance the overall airport infrastructure, including ongoing improvements to passenger amenities, which are slated for completion within a month.
In addition, the airport’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) will be upgraded from CAT I to CAT II within the same timeframe, further improving operational efficiency and safety. These upgrades are part of the government’s commitment to modernizing airports across the country to better serve the increasing number of air travelers.
The expansion at BPIA is a promising development for Bhubaneswar, positioning the airport as a key hub for air travel in the region and enhancing connectivity for both domestic and international flights.