Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International (BPI) Airport in Bhubaneswar has achived a new feat as it surpassed its earlier record of handling 3.2 million local and international passengers, by registering a 41 per cent passenger growth this year.
As per reports, the airport witnessed 32,37,956 passengers in 2017-18, of which 31,58,915 were locals and over 91,000 international passengers.
The passenger traffic jumped by 40.58 per cent in the year 2018-19, as the airport handled 44,51,163 local air travellers while the number of international passengers reached 99,410. Reason, increase in daily flight operations from Bhubaneswar to other major cities in and outside India.
Keeping this growth in view, the authorities are now geared up to make the airport more passenger friendly with international facilities and alongside working on the beautification.
Airport director Suresh Kumar Hota informed, "We crossed the 4.5 million mark this year. Last year it was around 3.2 million. This passenger growth will continue. Steps are being taken for capacity enhancement. Work is under progress for beautification of the airport. Two artificial fountains would be built, one at the Terminal-1 and the other at the arrival gate. This will give passengers a feel-good factor."
With services increasing, the travellers as well as local taxi drivers' association have welcomed the decision of BPIA authorities.
"The airport has developed a lot over the last 5-6 years. There is still room for development though. Passengers have also increased which is why airport remains crowded all the time. Many passengers come here from outside India. Development and beautification of airport would certainly attract more visitors," said a passenger, Chittaranjan Das.
"Increase in the number of passengers is beneficial for all. With better planning, the airport can see transformation. The BPIA has already established itself globally, and has given a new identity," stated Secretary of Airport Taxi Drivers' Association, Pradeep Kumar Das.
Currently, BPIA handles flight operations from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vizag, Ahmedabad in India, & Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur abroad.