Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI)

Bhubaneswar Airport is officially named Biju Patnaik International Airport and is located in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. It is named after the famous aviator, freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of the state, Biju Patnaik and is the only international airport in the state. The airport is located 3 km from the city center. Bhubaneswar airport was elevated to its international status in October 2013 and the first international flight from the airport took off on July 10, 2015 with 157 passengers on board.

Flight Information

The city of Bhubaneswar is well connected to many major cities in India such as Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, Nagpur and Vishakapatnam with daily flights. A number of other domestic flight operators at Bhubaneswar airport include Air India, GoAir and IndiGo. New Delhi and Mumbai are the most frequented flying destinations from Bhubaneswar with 14 weekly flights each to the cities.

Terminals

Biju Patnaik International Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 is a state-of-the-art terminal inaugurated in March 2013 and built for a capacity of 4 million passengers a year. The new terminal is a two storey building that conforms to green building standards and is complete with some of the most advanced facilities that cater to domestic arrivals and departures. Terminal 2 was renovated to begin full-fledged international operations with proposed plans of connecting Bhubaneswar to the Middle East and South East Asia.

Traveling in and around

Bhubaneswar airport can be easily and quickly accessed by trains, buses and taxis. The railway station is located 5 km from the airport. Pre-paid taxi counters and private taxis are available at the airport and the railway station that connect the two through the day. Bhubaneswar city bus and other luxury coaches connect the city of Bhubaneswar to its airport with regular service.

Services and Facilities

Bhubaneswar airport is well equipped with passenger-friendly facilities that include several recreational lounges, complimentary luggage trolleys, rest and retiring rooms, child care rooms, internet, medical aids, ATMs, information counters and restaurants.

Things to Do

The new terminal at Bhubaneswar airport has a lot to offer to passengers in transit or awaiting their flights to keep them happily engaged. The walls of the terminal are interestingly decorated with tribal motifs, masks and sculptures that are indicative of Odisha's rich cultural heritage. The airport also has spa lounges and other luxury lounges. Snack kiosks, gift shops, art galleries and shops selling handicrafts unique to Odisha are available at the airport. Little souvenirs that remind you of the state's beautiful cultural background can be purchased from the airport.

Hotels

Bhubaneswar has many options for stay that range from five star accommodations to the more affordable hotels that cater to different travel budgets. The options for five star accommodations at the city are Trident and MAYFAIR Lagoon. There are many more reasonably priced and comfortable places to stay at in the city and these include Hotel Grand Central, Hotel Suryansh and Ginger.

Helpful Tips

The city of Bhubaneswar is located on Odisha's coastal plains and experiences tropical weather conditions. The summer months between March and May are very hot when temperatures cross 40o C. Monsoon months from June to October bring in a lot of rain and the city, at times, faces the brunt of severe storms. If you are traveling to Bhubaneswar during monsoons; you might have to be prepared for unexpected flight delays and cancellations.

Nearby Attractions

Bhubaneswar is home to a number of temples that are representative of the state's unique architectural and cultural heritage. Some of the must-visit temples in this category include Mukteswara Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Ram Mandir, Rajarani Temple and Brahmeshwara Temple. The city also has museums showcasing Odisha's tribal handicrafts.