Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has officially recorded its most successful year to date, handling a record-breaking 5.15 million passengers throughout 2025. This milestone marks the first time the airport has crossed the 5-million mark in a single calendar year, solidifying its position as the 13th busiest airport in India and a primary aviation gateway in Eastern India.
The record figures represent a significant surge from the 4.8 million passengers handled in the previous fiscal year. Monthly data peaks highlight the growth trend, with May 2025 recording an all-time high of 472,738 passengers. This upward trajectory continued into the final quarter of the year, as November 2025 saw 449,983 travelers, a steady increase from October’s 422,884.
Several key factors contributed to this unprecedented growth. On the domestic front, the airport expanded its network to connect 28 cities across India. New routes to destinations like Kochi, Indore, Dehradun, and Jaipur saw high demand, supported by the Central Government’s new destination policy and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) provided by the State Government. These incentives ensured that even newer routes maintained impressive footfall throughout the winter schedule.
International connectivity also played a crucial role. Following the success of the Dubai route, the airport launched direct flights to Abu Dhabi in June 2025, complementing existing international services to Singapore and Bangkok. This expansion has transformed Bhubaneswar into a significant hub for travelers from Odisha seeking global access.
Infrastructure upgrades have been instrumental in managing the increased traffic. The inauguration of a new 3,360-square-meter link building between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 allowed for seamless movement between domestic and international zones. Additionally, the implementation of DigiYatra services in July 2024 streamlined the passenger clearance process, significantly reducing wait times during peak hours.
To address future demand, the Government of India has approved the development of Terminal 3 (T3). This new 65,000-square-meter facility is designed to handle 8.6 million passengers annually. Once completed, the expansion will feature six additional aerobridges and integrated arrival and departure halls, preparing the airport for its next phase of growth.
Airport Director Shri Prasanna Pradhan noted that the surge in flyers reflects the rising economic and tourism prominence of Odisha. With winter traffic currently at its peak and flights operating near full capacity, authorities remain optimistic about maintaining this momentum into 2026.