Bhubaneswar, 14 January (H.S.): The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has achieved a historic milestone by recording its highest-ever annual passenger traffic, marking a significant leap for Odisha’s aviation sector. For the first time since its inception, the airport has handled over 5 million passengers in a single calendar year, reflecting rapid growth in air travel demand from the state capital.
According to official figures, more than 50 lakh passengers travelled through Bhubaneswar Airport in 2025, with total footfall reaching 5.15 million. This record-breaking performance has positioned BPIA as the 13th busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic, underscoring its rising prominence on the national aviation map.
The surge in passenger movement is attributed to multiple factors, including sustained economic growth, enhanced air connectivity, and a steady increase in tourism, business travel, and official movement. Bhubaneswar’s emergence as a key administrative, educational, and commercial hub in eastern India has also contributed significantly to the rising demand for air travel.
In comparison, India’s busiest airport—Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport—retained the top spot with around 70 million passengers during the same period. While metropolitan airports continue to dominate overall traffic, Bhubaneswar’s consistent upward trajectory has drawn attention for its rapid expansion and growing relevance in the regional aviation ecosystem.
At present, Bhubaneswar Airport offers direct connectivity to 28 domestic and international destinations, linking Odisha with major metropolitan cities and important regional centers across the country and abroad. Several domestic carriers operate regular flights from the airport, further strengthening its role as a crucial air travel hub in eastern India.
Confirming the achievement, Bhubaneswar Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan said, “This is the first time in Bhubaneswar’s history that passenger traffic has crossed the 5 million mark. To be precise, the airport recorded a footfall of 5.15 million passengers in 2025, making it the 13th largest airport in the country in terms of passenger handling. Earlier, the airport was connected to 30 destinations; currently, it serves 28 destinations.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
