BPIA Hits 5 Million Flyers: Why Director Pradhan Wants Faster Passenger Growth

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar has reached a major milestone. The airport successfully handled 5.15 million flyers in 2025, a new annual record for the facility. This achievement confirms BPIA’s position as a key player in India aviation growth. The airport is now the 13th largest in the country for passenger and aircraft handling.

However, BPIA director Prasanna Pradhan noted a critical challenge. While the airport achieved the 50 lakh flyers 2025 mark, he stressed that BPIA passenger growth needs to accelerate. The current growth rate is around 13%. This is below the expected pace.

The Passenger Growth Challenge

Pradhan pointed out that high airfares may be slowing the rate of expansion. Pre-Covid, the airport saw a growth rate of approximately 19%. A sharp increase of 45% occurred when operations resumed after the pandemic. However, recent years have seen growth settle between 12% and 20%.

• Key Challenge: Sustaining high growth rates in a competitive market.
• Director's View: High ticket pricing is a likely factor in the slower-than-expected growth.
• National Ranking: BPIA is the 5th largest among all airports managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Major Infrastructure and Technology Upgrades

To prepare for future demand, BPIA has completed significant infrastructure projects. These upgrades are designed to enhance safety and increase operational efficiency. They also aim to reduce controller workload and minimize flight delays.

Indigenous Air Traffic Management

BPIA commissioned a state-of-the-art, indigenous air traffic management automation system. This system, called ATMAS automation system, was developed through a collaboration between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It was the first time an indigenously made automation system was commissioned at an Indian airport. The new air traffic control (ATC) tower is also fully operational.

Boosting Ground Operations and Capacity

To improve ground operations, the airport developed new taxi tracks. This includes a parallel taxi track and a rapid exit taxi track. The full operation of the rapid exit taxiway is a major capacity enhancement. It is expected to nearly double the aircraft handling rate.

• Current Capacity: Approximately 12 aircraft movements per hour.
• New Capacity Goal: The airport expects to handle 22-23 aircraft movements per hour after the taxiway is fully operational.
• Aircraft Handling: The runway is capable of handling Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

Outlook for Bhubaneswar Airport

BPIA’s strategic expansion is crucial for the region. The airport is a preferred diversion point for flights during bad weather. The new infrastructure ensures better service reliability. The airport is also planning for a new Terminal 3 (T3). According to the director, the airport's passenger load saturation point is projected for the year 2047. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees the necessary clearances for these developments. This long-term planning secures BPIA's role as a vital regional hub.

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