We achieved 50L flyers in 2025, but passenger growth needs to pick up: BPIA director Prasanna Pradhan

Tell us about recent milestones achieved by BPIA in terms of infrastructure and technology...Last year, we commissioned an automation system, which is state-of-the-art and indigenous technology developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with AAI. This was the first time in India that an indigenously made automation system was commissioned at any airport. In addition, we have a state-of-the-art ATC tower and ATC system, which is operating with all the parameters. What is the airport’s position in terms of aviation growth and outlook?Ours is the 13 largest in the country in terms of passenger and aircraft handling. Among the AAI-managed airports, we are the 5th largest. In the eastern region, it is second after Kolkata. What are the recent interventions to smoothen ground operations?We enhanced the capacity by developing a parallel taxi track and a rapid exit taxi track. Earlier, we used to handle around 12 aircraft movements per hour. Our runway is sufficient to handle Airbus 321 and 737, but we cannot accommodate Boeing 777 or Airbus 340. After full operationalisation of the rapid exit taxiway, we will be able to handle around 22-23 aircraft per hour. How is the rate of passenger growth?Pre-Covid, passenger growth in Bhubaneswar was around 19%. When normalcy was restored and airlines resumed operations, passenger footfall jumped 45% in 2020-21. But in subsequent years, the growth has remained between 12 and 20%. Last year it was a little less, around 10%, because of skyrocketing fares. This year, the growth so far is around 13%. Growth is not picking up as expected which may be because of pricing. However, in 2025, we have achieved 50 lakh passengers, up from 48 lakh during the previous year. People complain of fleecing and harassment by parking touts...Some people may have faced problems, but we are working on it. We are improving, dealing with every individual case, and reaching out to passengers. We are trying to sort it out. Any new plans for the year...We are ready to extend help to airlines if they are interested in new international routes, but the response has been a little discouraging. Recently, we started Abu Dhabi flight, but unfortunately it stopped because of poor response from passengers. The Dubai flight is good, but Singapore is not so encouraging. Maybe Bangkok is good because of tourism. Recently, we saw images of people sitting on the floors and staircase in absence of chairs. Was that because of inadequate infrastructure or passenger overload?Actually, we do have capacity. Because of fog and weather problems, some people were seen outside. Some people, for their comfort, could have been sitting, which is very unpleasant. However, that was a once-in-a-blue-moon type of situation, which I really regret. How is the airport preparing to withstand cargo handling?Cargo growth is not encouraging. Outbound cargo is 8 tonne per month. What is the saturation point in terms of daily aircraft handling?We will be able to accommodate at least 115 aircraft post-expansion. Following that, it will reach saturation point in terms of passenger load in 2047. Beyond that, we will have to look for alternative. The new terminal, T3, will be ready. Also, with the govt focusing on two airports each for tier 2 cities, the Puri airport can become an alternative, complimenting Bhubaneswar's passenger load.