Biju Patnaik International Airport: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Bhubaneswar Travel Guide

What Biju Patnaik Airport is

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is Bhubaneswar’s principal aviation hub and Odisha’s main link to domestic and international destinations. Named after aviator and statesman Biju Patnaik, it connects Bhubaneswar with cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi (Prameya News, Tathya). The airport serves nearly five million passengers annually.

BPIA also features local architectural motifs, art installations, and exhibitions reflecting Odisha’s culture. Expansion supported by government policies such as the Odisha New Destination Policy aims to improve connectivity and support economic growth, including agricultural exports through cargo services (Financial Express).

History

BPIA began as a modest airstrip in the pre-independence era and expanded as Bhubaneswar developed as a planned capital. It honours Biju Patnaik, a freedom fighter, pilot, and former Chief Minister of Odisha.

Late 20th century Infrastructure upgrades enabled larger aircraft and direct routes to major Indian cities.
2013 The airport received international status, with customs and immigration facilities added.
2023–2025 Passenger numbers and international routes grew, including direct flights to Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Abu Dhabi.
2024 Passenger traffic increased by 26.9%, driven by new domestic and international connections. Policy initiatives support further expansion, new destinations, and improved cargo operations (Financial Express, Tathya).

What to see

At the airport

The terminal buildings feature local art, temple-inspired motifs, and rotating exhibitions showcasing Odisha’s artistic heritage.

Historical sites in Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple An 11th-century landmark dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves Ancient Jain monastic complexes with intricate carvings.
Mukteshwar Temple Known for its ornate stone architecture.
Odisha State Museum Exhibits regional artefacts and history.
Dhauli Peace Pagoda A site commemorating Ashoka’s transformation and a symbol of peace.

Konark Sun Temple

The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its chariot-shaped design and elaborate carvings (UNESCO).

Hours 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tickets INR 40 for Indian adults and INR 600 for foreign adults; concessions for students; free for children under 15.
Booking At the gate or online via Odisha Tourism.
Guides Available on-site.
Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible at key points.

Dhauli Peace Pagoda

Dhauli Peace Pagoda, also called Shanti Stupa, stands on the Daya River and commemorates the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. Built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, the white-domed stupa is a place for reflection (Dhauli Peace Pagoda Image).

Hours 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Entry Free.
Facilities Guided tours, parking, clean restrooms, refreshment stalls, and seating areas.
Photography Permitted outdoors; check for restrictions inside.

Practical visiting information

Airport hours and tickets

Airport flights The airport operates 24/7.
Passenger services Ticket counters and check-in typically operate from 4:00 AM–11:00 PM; check with your airline for specifics.
Booking flights Book through airline websites or trusted travel portals. Airport ticket counters are also available for limited hours; early booking is recommended during peak periods.

Terminals and services

Terminal 1 (domestic) Operates from 4:00 AM–11:00 PM and has 18 check-in counters, 4 aerobridges, and multiple lounges.
Terminal 2 (international) Generally open from 3:00 AM–11:59 PM and has 6 check-in counters, 10 immigration counters, and dedicated seating.
Terminal 3 Under construction and set to increase capacity.

DigiYatra launched at BPIA in July 2024, offering paperless, facial recognition-based check-in and boarding. Traditional check-in counters are available for passengers who prefer manual processing. Other services include ATMs, currency exchange, a pharmacy, Lost & Found, and information desks.

Airport facilities include ramps and wheelchairs for differently-abled passengers, multilingual assistance, clear signage, free Wi-Fi, lounges, duty-free shops, food courts, retail outlets with local and international offerings, child-friendly areas, and accessible restrooms.

The airport is powered by a 4 MWp solar plant and uses advanced Air Traffic Control automation. Expansion and privatization efforts are set to further enhance service quality and capacity (Sansad).

Ground transportation

Buses OSRTC and private operators connect the airport with Bhubaneswar and nearby cities.
Taxis and app-based cabs Available at the terminal.
Car rentals Agencies offer self-drive and chauffeur options.
Parking Short- and long-term parking is available, with designated areas.

Travel tips

Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
DigiYatra enables contactless check-in.
Check official websites for the latest flight schedules and visiting hours.
Official transport options are available at the airport.
For updates, download the Audiala app and consult official sources before your journey.

Nearby places

The Konark Sun Temple is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar. A taxi or car journey takes 1.5–2 hours and costs INR 1,200–1,500. OSRTC buses run from Bhubaneswar city center; the city center is accessible from the airport by taxi or shuttle.
Chandrabhaga Beach is 3 km from the Konark Sun Temple.
Puri Jagannath Temple is 35 km from Konark.
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is in Bhubaneswar.
Dhauli Peace Pagoda is 8 km from the city center; taxis, autos, and buses are available.
Other sites near Dhauli include Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Mukteshwar Temple, and Odisha State Museum.

Frequently asked questions

Are airport terminals open 24/7?
The airport operates round-the-clock; passenger services generally run from 4:00 AM–11:00 PM.

How do I book tickets?
Book online through airlines or travel agencies, or at select airport counters.

Is BPIA accessible for differently-abled travelers?
Yes. Ramps, wheelchairs, and accessible restrooms are provided.

What transport options are available to Bhubaneswar city?
Buses, taxis, app-based cabs, and car rentals are available.

Are guided tours available at historical sites?
Yes, guided tours are available at major sites such as Konark and Dhauli.