Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) reached a historic milestone in 2025, handling over 5.15 million passengers—a first in its history. This achievement has propelled BPIA to the 13th busiest airport in India, reflecting Odisha’s rapid emergence as a key aviation hub in Eastern India.
This growth is more than just numbers. It represents a strategic vision to modernize the state’s aviation infrastructure, improve regional connectivity, and create new opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment.
A Landmark Year for Bhubaneswar Airport
The year 2025 was pivotal for BPIA, with several notable achievements:
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Record Passenger Traffic: With over 5.15 million travelers, the airport exceeded all previous annual figures.
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National Ranking: BPIA rose to 13th place nationwide in total passenger movement, marking a significant improvement.
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Enhanced Connectivity: Serving 28 domestic destinations, the airport has made travel easier for residents and visitors alike.
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Economic Boost: Rising tourism, increasing business travel, and a growing economy contributed to this surge in traffic.
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Government Support: Strategic initiatives like the B-MAAN scheme and the Central Government’s UDAN program encouraged airlines to open new routes, strengthening regional air connectivity.
BPIA’s success is not an isolated achievement. It is part of a broader strategy to make Odisha a center of aviation excellence in Eastern India, combining modern infrastructure with efficient operational systems.
Modernizing Aviation Infrastructure
Odisha has been proactive in upgrading its aviation facilities. Investments have focused on expanding terminals, modernizing runways, improving cargo handling, and enhancing passenger amenities. These initiatives have significantly improved operational efficiency and travel experience.
The state government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Bhagwat, has prioritized aviation as a critical driver of economic growth. By integrating airport development with urban planning and regional connectivity projects, Odisha is building a robust ecosystem for commerce, tourism, and investment.
Boosting Regional Connectivity: UDAN and B-MAAN
Two initiatives have played a central role in transforming Odisha’s aviation landscape:
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UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik):
Launched by the Central Government, UDAN aims to enhance air connectivity to underserved and smaller cities. In Odisha, this program has enabled new flight routes linking regional towns to major metropolitan hubs, improving accessibility for both passengers and businesses. -
B-MAAN Scheme (Biju Maharaja Airport Air Network):
Odisha’s own initiative complements UDAN by providing incentives to airlines to operate in the state. By supporting route expansion and increasing flight frequency, B-MAAN has been instrumental in attracting more airlines and enhancing passenger traffic.
Together, these initiatives have strengthened Odisha’s air connectivity, promoting economic activity, supporting local businesses, and increasing tourism potential.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Better air connectivity has a direct impact on Odisha’s economy. Increased passenger traffic brings opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses. Tourism in destinations like Puri, Konark, and Chilika Lake has surged, while new business travel routes facilitate trade and investment across the region.
Moreover, with improved cargo facilities, Odisha’s industrial and agricultural products can reach national and international markets faster, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.
Odisha: A Rising Aviation Hub
BPIA’s rise to the 13th busiest airport in India is symbolic of Odisha’s growing prominence in the aviation sector. The airport is now a gateway not just for passengers but for economic growth, tourism, and regional development.
The strategic vision of the Odisha Government ensures that aviation infrastructure is more than functional—it is future-ready, capable of adapting to growing passenger volumes and evolving global standards. This positions Odisha as a key player in Eastern India’s aviation network.
Looking Ahead
Under the leadership of Hon’ble CM Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Odisha continues to invest in modernizing airports, expanding routes, and fostering regional connectivity. These efforts are transforming the state into an aviation hub that supports economic growth, tourism, and global trade.
BPIA’s record passenger traffic in 2025 is just the beginning. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades, strategic initiatives like UDAN and B-MAAN, and a focus on service excellence, Odisha is poised to soar higher in India’s aviation landscape.
Onward and upward—Odisha is truly taking flight.