Bhubaneswar: Number of flights operating from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has almost doubled in the last one year allowing the airport to achieve a huge lead over other airports in the country.
As per reports, while BPIA handled 24 flights earlier, it has increased to 43 just in a year. Similarly, the number of passengers has increased by 39.4 per cent in a year. While in 2016-17, BPIA handled 2.3 million passengers, in 2017-18, the figure shot up to 3.2 million passengers.
It is the highest growth rate among 15 airports in the country, said BPIA authorities. A new terminal will be opened at the airport in near future, the authorities added.
"We have requested Business Development unit of the Marketing Division to highlight the achievement of Bhubaneswar airport at international forums so that more international operations can be launched from the airport," said Director of BPIA, Suresh Chandra Hota.
"The growth is very important for the industry especially for tour operators. If we focus on the commercial angle, the passenger growth is increasing annually by 12.5 per cent. Besides, there are opportunities at Bhubaneswar airport to bring in more growth. International Convention Centre can be established here which will automatically rope in international chain of hotels who are already focusing on South East Asia for investment," said a tour operator, Benjamin Simon.