Nagpur to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Nagpur

Nagpur, popularly known to the country as the 'City of Oranges' is the second capital of the state of Maharashtra. With booming markets and extensive development, the city has played a vital role in contributing to the state as well as the country's economy. Nagpur also has an international airport which directly connects to Middle Eastern countries. The city is considered to be a winter capital for Maharashtra because of the pleasant drop in the temperature. With its unceasing development, the city's tourism is also seeing a tremendous ascent. Many hoteliers are coming up with accommodation options for travellers. You can book a hotel in Nagpur with a range of facilities for a comfortable stay.

Best time to visit Nagpur

Nagpur's climate is mildly humid and dry as it is away from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Being smack down in the middle of the country does come with some good perks in terms of the pleasant climate. The winters in Nagpur between October to March is considered perfect for travellers to visit the city. In fact, December and January have the best tropical winters that you can experience in the city. Sadly though, the summers are just as bad with temperatures shooting up to a fearsome 49 degrees Celsius during the day. Even though flight tickets to Nagpur during summer is cheap and affordable, it certainly would be a health risk and not ideal for a travel rendezvous.

Places to visit in Nagpur

Nagpur has been working towards improving its tourism and has done quite an excellent job with it. They built the Deeksha Bhoomi stupa in 2001, which is considered to be the largest stupa in Asia. The Buddhist monument is a place you should visit in Nagpur because of the calming vibe and energy that the site holds. Nagpur has quite a few tiger reserves with Pench Tiger Reserve being one of the well-maintained ones. It is easily one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the city thanks to the accommodation options it serves. You can actually book a hotel in Nagpur's Tiger Reserve and spend the night, possibly hearing growls of the big cats.

On the outskirts of Nagpur, there are a bunch of places that would pique a tourist's interest. Ramtek Fort and Temple are some of the iconic places. The fort and even the temple are known to be one of the spots where Lord Rama rested before commemorating his voyage to bring back wife Sita and defeating Ravana. The view from the fort though, is splendid. With its connection to the Hindu mythology, the place captures interests of a lot of devotees, who make sure to take the trip and check out the place.

Within the city of Nagpur, there is the famed Raman Science Centre, an educational complex with entertaining activities at your service. If it is a family trip, then you should definitely check out the science centre which explores secrets of the universe. It is in the city centre so travelling shouldn't be a concern. Usually, the Raman Science Centre hosts a lot of exhibitions and such events to attract enthusiasts to mingle.

It is interesting to note that Nagpur has quite a lot of Buddhist monuments and attractions. The Dragon Palace Buddhist Temple, located about 20 km away from the main city, sees Buddhists from around the world, come over to visit the temple. The setting of the temple complex is serene and soothing. There are areas reserved for meditation practices and gardens too, in the vicinity. The place certainly has a charm which makes it one of the best escapes from the city's hustle-bustle. You will be awestruck by the sheer beauty and serenity of the vicinity at the Buddhist temple.

Things to do in Nagpur

Nagpur's food culture might make you want to explore more of that space. Something we also recommend because you'll be amazed by the plethora multitudes of cuisines ready to blow your mind. However, the city's many lakes are also waiting for you to visit. You can take up camping at Ambnazari Lake as an option. The pristine lake with its serene surrounding would help you feel calm and composed. If camping is not possible, then you can always head to the Futala Lake and Gorewada Lake for a day picnic. The lakes see many tourists flock over regularly.

An interesting addition of things to do in Nagpur would be to visit the Japanese rose garden. The garden has been constructed and preserved by using techniques propagated by the Japanese natives, making it quite the place for cultural exchange. You can actually learn a few things and even purchase saplings from the place, if allowed. A designated tour guide would take you through the garden.

Food and Restaurants in Nagpur

Nagpur's fame might come from its vibrant variety of oranges, but food culture is quite incredible. You would expect the city to promote a certain speciality cuisine like many usually do. However, Nagpur is simply here to show you that they've got a taste for a global platter. From Moroccan to American, you'll find yourself amazed by their tasteful choices. The city does have quaint restaurants that offer the classic Maharashtrian delicacies that many enjoy. However, more than that, they have food joints and line of restaurants that offer more than just Indian cuisine. This growth has come about in the last few years.

If you're craving an English Breakfast in the middle of the afternoon, then you don't have to wait for the next day to explore options! Nagpur's The Breakfast Story caters to such cravings as it is an all-day breakfast setting. Interestingly, the restaurant changes its menu regularly with the classic breakfast dishes still intact on the menu. Nanking Mayfair's 3-decade long presence in Nagpur's food industry has given it quite the cult status among people. The Asian food served at Nanking is marvellous. Do check out their kung pao chicken when you visit the city! The city's best though is Zuree, a classy restaurant with fine dining scenes. From the plush location to the chic interiors to the plethora of dishes influenced by European, Italian, Moroccan and Indian cuisines, Zuree is certainly one place you shouldn't miss.

For some more fine dining setting, you can check out The Creative Kitchen by Radisson Hotels, Fountain Sizzlers & Bistro and Barbeque. As for those who want a simple yet sublime ambience, check out Thaat Baat, Veeraswami and Naivedhyam which proudly flaunt South Indian dishes.

How to reach Nagpur (Transportation)

By Air

Nagpur's Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport serves as a domestic as well as an international airport. The Nagpur airport has quite some historical significance for partaking in the Second World and also commissioning an intriguing "Night Air Mail Service". The service mainly focuses on four planes leaving prominent cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata with mail load in the night to exchange them at Nagpur. Flight connectivity to and from Nagpur is exceptional as it caters to several domestic as well as international cities. The domestic routes from Nagpur connect with cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore and more.

Connecting flights from these cities to and from Nagpur are also available, making travelling to the city favourable. The city's airport caters to Middle Eastern cities by charting international flights from Nagpur to Sharjah and Doha. The domestic airlines serving from Nagpur airport include IndiGo, GoAir, Air India and TruJet. As for international airlines, the city has Air Arabia and Qatar Airways serving flights to and from Nagpur. The city certainly sees a good number of travellers travelling from flights. Airport shuttles are available if you book a hotel in Nagpur before arrival.

By Rail

Nagpur has quite the reputation for having one of the best-connected railways in India. The construction of the railway tracks overlapping each other to form a diamond cross-connects the city to every direction in India. There are myriad express trains that connect Nagpur to cities such as Bangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai and more. Travelling by trains is also considered to be suitable for travellers as the travel duration is also accommodating. The railway station is also well-connected to the city centre, making transit within the city easier. You can book a hotel in Nagpur, close to the station as there are bountiful provisions for the same.

By Road

The road connectivity of Nagpur to other cities is also excellent. The city is linked to some well-maintained national highways that help with the connectivity. There are intercity, interstate and intrastate bus services available to make transport convenient for people residing in Nagpur and for the ones visiting. From AC deluxe to ordinary non-AC, there are many options also that one can choose from to travel. Private bus providers have services reserved for Nagpur from cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Kolhapur, Indore, Surat and more. Plus, tickets to Nagpur come at a reasonable price. The Nagpur Bus Sthanak and Mor Bhawan are the two bus terminals where all buses halt as a final stop.

  About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the temple city of India and deservedly so. The City is known for its grand temples and the beautiful architecture and attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over India. In fact, Bhubaneshwar literally translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. The City is an architectural marvel. Though the City is famous for its temples, there are other reasons for you to visit the City, too. Situated in Orissa, Bhubaneswar is also home to a lot of animals like deers and White Tigers. You'll also find Museums in the City that will showcase the arts, crafts and splendid artefacts.

The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most visited temples in the City. It is ancient and has a lot of religious importance. It sees a lot of devotees who come to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the year. The Parasurameswara temple, which was constructed in 650 AD, is unique because of the one thousand lingas present in the north-west corner of the complex. The Brahmeshwara temple is yet another marvel and a great example of the Oriya architecture, that was built in the 11th century. The Ananta Vasudev temple, built by Queen Chandrika, has Lord Krishna residing in it. The Vaishnavi sculptures will leave you impressed and are a treat to the eyes.

The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts is a must-visit for anyone who stops to appreciate and admire art whenever they get the opportunity. You'll get to see a lot of traditional costumes, jewellery, weapons, gears and farming equipment at the museum. It will leave you in awe of the artists. The Kedar Gauri Temple, which is one of the eight Asthasambhu Temples, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Mahashivratri celebrations across Bhubaneswar. You will feel overwhelmed to see the processions and be a part of the festivities.

Visit the Pathani Samantha Planetarium. It is named after the famous astronomer of the same name. Catch the audiovisual shows put up by the authorities. The City is also known for Khandagiri Caves, a series of artificial caves which dates back to the 2nd century. The caves are of great historical significance.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi beach, which is 65 km away from the City. It's a beautiful beach that sees the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra converging. It's a sight to behold and one of the best places to take pictures at, too. The beach is accessible quite easily and is a popular location for young couples, tourists and students residing in the City.

Bhubaneswar experiences extreme summers but also intense rainfalls during monsoon. However, that does not stop people from venturing out, and the rains only add to the beauty of the City. October to February is the ideal time to visit the City since the city experiences winter during these months. While you are in Bhubaneswar, make sure you try the Machha Jholo, fish curry that is a speciality here. You must also try the Cuttack chaat, Badi Choora, Rasagola and the Abadha. The vegetarian food served in temples is also a treat to your taste buds. The list of things to do and places to see in Bhubaneswar is endless. Since Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa, it is well-connected to all the major cities. Biju Patnaik Airport is 5 km away from the City and is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The ideal time to visit the City is during winters which are from October to February. This is a peak season for tourists and is also ideal for sightseeing. The City experiences monsoon from June to September. Bhubaneswar experiences heavy rainfall, and it is not the most favourable time to visit the City. It will definitely put a damper on all of your outdoor plans. The summer starts from March and lasts till May. The scorching heat and the high humidity make it quite unbearable for you to venture out. This is also why you shouldn't visit Bhubaneswar during summer. The afternoons can get pretty harsh during summer.

Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is known for its temples. The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most popularly visited temples, and devotees of Lord Shiva come to offer their prayers throughout the year. You can also visit the Parasurameswara and the Brahmeshwara temple. Not only will you feel at peace by offering your prayers, but you will also be in awe of the expert Oriya architecture. You can also visit the Ananta Vasudev temple that was built by Queen Chandrika to offer her prayers to her deity, Lord Krishna. The City has a religious significance and is also considered holy. Devotees always leave with a smile and a sense of relief on their faces after visiting the temples.

The City also plays host to a lot of museums like the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts and the Orissa State Museum. You will know more about the City, its culture and ancient art. You will also come across a lot of untold stories during the construction of these marvels. The Nandankanan Zoological Park, established in 1960, is another place you must visit in the City. You will spot different species of tigers and other animals in the zoo. There are also a lot of wildlife sanctuaries that will appease the wildlife photographer in you. Take home all the memories of spotting exotic wildlife in these sanctuaries.

Don't miss visiting the Ramachandi Beach. The beach is quite unique since it sees the convergence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra. It's only 7 km away from Konark and a top-rated destination among tourists, too. The City also has a lot of parks for you to visit with your family. Another location for you to take great pictures.

Things to do in the City in Bhubaneswar

Visit all the temples in the City, starting with the Lingaraj temple. Don't just offer your prayers and admire the striking architecture of the temples but also try to discover the stories inception of the temple and the religious importance of it. Find a priest or a knowledgeable person and get them to tell you the stories about the temple. You'll surely leave with a lot of information, things that you never knew before. While the rulers made some of the temples out of respect and devotion to their deities, some have mythological stories and incidents attached.

The City has a lot of historical importance and artistic significance, too. There are a lot of human-made marvels in this City. Visit the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts that showcases the exquisite collections of 62 tribes of Odisha. Explore the culture of all of these tribes and the history of Orissa, too. You can also visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ekamra Kanan and more sanctuaries to treat the animal lover in you.

Since it's the capital city, it's easier to find and book a hotel as per your budget and convenience. Make sure you find something closer to the tourist attractions so you won't have to spend more time travelling. While you visit the Ramachandi beach, you can sit there and admire the waves or read your favourite book. It's the perfect place to chill and embrace solitude. You won't regret visiting and holidaying in Bhubaneswar for sure.

Foods and Restaurants in Bhubaneswar

Apart from the local speciality, you will also find restaurants that serve other cuisines that you might crave for. Even though it is a city with a lot of temples, you will find certain places that serve non-vegetarian food. Do try the Machha Jholo if you are a fan of seafood. Do not leave without taking back home a pot of rasagolas. Since the City is usually always budding with tourists, finding a decent restaurant is not a tedious task. If you are craving for some South-Indian food, do stop by at Truptee Restaurant. It is famous for its variety of dosas and other South Indian snacks.

Tangerine 9 is yet another restaurant that serves mouth-watering food at reasonable prices. You can also give the Hare Krishna restaurant a try. It's a delight for vegetarians and worth every penny spent. Not just their food but even the special ghee that they serve will leave you impressed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar

By Air

The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport and is also the only international airport in Orissa. It connects the City to all of the domestic routes and international routes as well. You can get fair flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, if you are lucky.

By Rail

The Bhubaneswar railway station is well-connected to all the major cities in the country. You will also find a taxi or a bus easily from outside the station to your hotel.

By Road

A lot of deluxe buses with AC coaches and government buses will be available from major cities and the nearby ones, too. You can also take a private cab or drive to Bhubaneswar.

  About Nagpur Airport

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport or better known as Nagpur Airport is an international airport that serves the city of Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra. Situated about 8 km south-west of Nagpur in the town of Sonegaon, the airport was originally founded during the First World War as part of the Royal Air Force. The airport underwent renovation during World War II when it was utilised as a staging airfield by the Royal Air Force. Eventually, as the Britishers left the country following independence, the airport's management was transferred to the Indian Government. The new management expanded the terminal buildings and constructed a new building to install better facilities ranging from refreshments to restrooms. It covers an area of close to 1355 acres. Nagpur Airport was named after the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, BR Ambedkar. It handles about 7,500 passengers in a day and accommodates five domestic airlines and two international airlines. The airport is sprawled across 1,460 acres of land and is also the home of AFS Nagpur, which is part of the Indian Air Force. The growth in passenger congestion is a result of travellers who visit the city from the state capital, Mumbai.

About Nagpur Airport terminals

Nagpur Airport has only one new integrated terminal building that came into existence in 2008. The new integrated terminal building has the capacity to accommodate 550 arriving and departure passengers at peak hours. Further, as part of the terminal's upgradation, 20 check-in counters and 20 immigration counters have been installed by the airport authority. They have installed several modern amenities and facilities including passenger bridges with a visual docking guidance system, accommodation for 600 cars in the parking garage, eight parking bays for flights and newer baggage conveyor belts. An approach road has also been constructed to connect the new integrated terminal building with the main highway to enhance the city-side network. The domestic terminal is located on the gro9und level and has two boarding gates with an additional one that can be used during emergencies. The airport also has the capacity to hold about 325 aircraft operations for both departures and arrivals. A Hajj terminal is also present at the airport which is used seasonally when the airport hosts pilgrims to Jeddah.

About Airport Authority

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is owned by the Airports Authority of India while its operations are handled by Mihan India Private Limited (MIPL). The airport authority has made some significant changes in the upgradation and modification of Nagpur Airport for the better. The existing building has witnessed a massive change in terms of upgradation of amenities and expansion of facilities to cater to the passengers. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport received its new integrated terminal building in 2008, thanks to the works of the Airports Authority of India as well as MIPL. The Airports Authority of India also plans to construct a whole new control tower along with the technical block to help enhance the navigation facilities that are currently present at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

The airport authority, Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), has been working towards introducing a massive economic project. It is recognised as one of the biggest economic development projects, in terms of investments, that is currently underway in the country. The project is divided into two parts, an international airport that would function as a cargo hub and a special economic zone (SEZ) inclusive of residential zones that would cover about 40.25 km² are in the southern end of the city. Multiple banks are financing the project as it has raked in a whopping INR 30,000 crore of investment. The target of the project is to serve 14 million passengers and handle a cargo of 0.87 million tonnes. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2035 and is estimated to generate revenues worth INR 5280 crores. The project kicked off in 2005 and since then, has seen a significant rise in property rates in Nagpur.

Facilities at the Nagpur Airport

WiFi - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport offers unlimited free WiFi services to its passengers. The process to connect with the airport's WiFi network is quite simple and can be done in a jiffy. Not to mention how the internet speed is also quite decent.

Special assistance – Nagpur Airport has facilities to cater to the needs of senior citizens and disabled passengers. The airport has a set of trained staff who can provide special assistance such as escorting the passenger to the airport terminal, helping them with the baggage services, taking them through the procedures of check-in and security checks and much more. The staff stays close to the passenger until they board the flight.

ATMs – There are ATM kiosks that have been installed at the domestic and international airport terminals. You can make cash withdrawals and also get money exchange done at another counter.

First aid rooms – Medical services and first aid rooms have also been installed at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. The main idea behind adding medical services in the list of facilities is to ensure that any medical emergencies are taken care of immediately. Along with first aid rooms, the airport also has pharmacies placed in both the terminals. In case you need some specific medication, you can visit the medical stores and purchase the same.

Child care room – The airport has also made provisions for passengers travelling with infants. There are child care rooms that can be utilised for feeding and changing for the infants. The space offers privacy and is a healthy environment too. The parent can relax and help out the baby with the cleaning and feeding activities.

Baggage – Some of the baggage services that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport provides include baggage wrapping services, free trolleys, baggage storage booths, porter services and much more. The airport also has baggage reclaim conveyor belts and other such facilities that help to enhance the experience of the passenger.

Currency exchange – Considering how the airport also caters to international flight activities, there are currency exchange counters also added to the list of facilities. Nagpur Airport also provides decent exchange rates and also has provisions of money transfers.

Smoking areas – Dedicated smoking zones have been installed at the airport. Both the terminals have a smoking lounge to ensure that passengers do not light up a smoke in the public lounge space. The smoking zones are regularly cleaned and maintained perfectly well.

Duty-free shops – There are duty-free shops also available in the airport premise. You can purchase imported items at a very low and reasonable price. These can be taken back as souvenirs too.

Lounges - The airport has three lounge facilities available. Out of the three, two of them are located in the domestic terminal while the third one is located in the international terminal. Two of the lounges are recognised as Travel Club lounge, which basically enables many travellers to come over and enjoy the hospitality and services rendered by the facility. As for the third lounge, it is called Cinnamon Lounge. The perks of all the lounge are that they have a slew of facilities ranging from free WiFi to entertainment content that can be availed. There are fabulous restaurants that are part of the lounge facility. The food is phenomenal while the hospitality is exquisite. The seating is also quite comfortable, and the experience as a whole is comforting.

Top airlines flying from Nagpur Airport

Nagpur Airport is the second most important airport in the state of Maharashtra. Along with many domestic cities that the airline connects to, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport also caters to a few international destinations. Some of the important airlines that operate from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport include Air Arabia, Air Asia, AirAsia India, GoAir, IndiGo and Qatar Airways. These airlines connect to cities such as Sharjah, Delhi, Mumbai, Raipur, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa, Pune, Indore and Doha. With the expansion plans commencing, the idea is to add more airlines and cities in their list of connections.

How to reach Nagpur Airport

By Rail

The current Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport terminal is connected perfectly well with the Airport Metro Station of Nagpur Metro. The airport is one of the city airports in India to have a metro link connection. Located on the Orange Line of Nagpur Metro, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport can be best reached by metro. The metro has scheduled trains to reach Nagpur Airport and has a frequency of 15 minutes. The city and the airport's metro connections make traversing within the city of Nagpur far more convenient.

By Road

Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is right on the National Highway 44 and is connected by a six-lane highway. As a metropolitan city, Nagpur has local transport facilities such as taxi cabs and private rentals that can be availed from within the city to reach Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. You can hail cabs from the city to reach Nagpur Airport.

  About Bhubneshwar Airport

Biju Patnaik International Airport also referred to as Bhubaneswar Airport, is the primary international airport that serves the city of Bhubaneswar which is the capital of the state Odisha. The airport is located about 4 km south-west of the Bhubaneswar Railway Station and 6 km away from the main city. The city's main airport has been named after the former chief minister of the state of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. He is a famed aviator as well as a freedom fighter. Biju Patnaik International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in the country. As for the Airports Authority of India's list of airports, Biju Patnaik International Airport falls on the 11th busiest which a registered 27.9 per cent growth in the passenger and air traffic.

The airport came into existence in 1962 and was dedicated to catering to the travel needs of the citizens of Odisha. It is the first commercial airport to be installed in the state. The airport caters to domestic and international carriers, activities of which are divided into two terminals. In 2013, the former minister of civil aviation, Ajit Singh, inaugurated the newly refurbished Terminal 1 to enhance the travelling experience of the domestic passengers. Terminal 2 was also upgraded to handle better international operations. It received international stature in 2013 and commenced operations to international destinations.

About Bhubaneswar Airport Terminal

Along with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, Biju Patnaik International Airport is also recognised as a major civil aviation hub for Eastern India.

Terminal 1 - Terminal 1 was refurbished and inaugurated in 2013 to accommodate a passenger capacity of 4 million in a year. Lanco Infratech built it at the cost of INR 1.45 billion. The project upgradation was developed by the Airports Authority of India as part of their scheme to enhance 35 of their non-metro airports in India. Terminal 1 is equipped with two storeys and a total area of 18,240 square metres. The new terminal comprises of four aerobridges, several escalators, four elevators, 18 check-in counters, multiple seating and three arrival baggage conveyors. Terminal 1 also houses some lounges in the departure and arrival sections. There is a total of three VIP lounges also installed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. The airport has been constructed keeping the green building standards on the check. There are sewage treatment plant and rainwater harvesting facilities located at the terminal. Reflecting the culture and tribal traditions of Odisha, the airport also has tribal paintings, sculptures, motif designs and several such artefacts.

Terminal 2 - Terminal 2 is reserved for international operations and was constructed in the mid-1960s. Originally, the terminal catered to domestic flight activities in the 1960s. However, with the addition of the new airport terminal building, the domestic operations were shifted. Biju Patnaik International Airport's terminal 2 comprises of six check-in counters, four customs counters, ten immigration counters, various facilities and a slew of seating area too.

Terminal 3 - Terminal 3 is a passenger terminal building that has been proposed by the airport's authority to expand its passenger handling to 8 million in a year. The terminal is set to spread across an area of 58,000 square metres for INR 9.3 billion. With this, Biju Patnaik International Airport's capacity would be increased from 3.5 million to 11.5 million. The positioning of the terminal started in 2019 with construction works to be completed in three years, as scheduled. Once completed, the terminal would be handling all domestic passenger activities with the existing 1 and 2 terminals catering to international flight activities.

About airport authority

Biju Patnaik International Airport is owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The government body was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation under the Government of India and came into existence to cater to the infrastructural management and maintenance of civil aviation across the country. Overall, the airport's authority handles about 126 airports along with 11 international airports. Biju Patnaik International Airport also falls under the international airport list of the aviation body. The airport authority has brought forth several expansion, and upgradation plans to make Bhubaneswar Airport accessible and ideal for more airline activities. Much recently, they refurbished their terminals and have proposed for a new terminal that would cater to domestic operations. Meanwhile, the old two terminals would take care of international operations.

Following the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Biju Patnaik International Airport's authority has announced that they would be changing their operations. Following the lifting of the lockdown, the airport plans to operate in a single shift that would only take place between 10 am to 6 pm. Overall, 16 flights with two flights per hour would be operated Special guidelines to avoid the abundant footfall of passengers will also be taken care of at the airport. They are handling limited cargo operations too.

Facilities at the Bhubaneswar Airport

ATMs – Biju Patnaik International Airport has installed four ATM kiosks at one spot that range from domestic to international banks. This makes it easier for international tourists to withdraw money without much hassle. It is available at the departure and the arrival sections of the terminal building.

WiFi – The airport also has WiFi facilities available. By using the local mobile number, the passengers can connect to the airport's WiFi network and avail the free services.

Child care rooms – To cater to parents travelling with infants, the airport has installed designed child care rooms. These rooms are well-equipped with baby products as well as comfortable chairs and changing tables. They also have some baby products such as powders and diapers, in case the parent has exhausted these products.

Lounge – An airport lounge is also present in the departure section where passengers with relevant passes can access. You can also make some payments and enter the comfortable lounge area. They provide great hospitality and good services.

Smoking lounge – As smoking is not allowed in public spaces, the airport has reserved special smoking zones for passengers. These spaces can be utilised, and even boxes of cigarettes can be purchased at the airport.

Medical services – With a view to dealing with medical emergencies, the airport has installed relevant services. There is a special team of doctors and medical professionals who are present at the airport to deal with emergency cases. Plus, there are pharmacies also present at the airport.

Baggage – The baggage services offered by Biju Patnaik International Airport are quite good. You can opt for wrapping services, porter services, conduct thorough security checks of bags and even use the trolleys.

Top airlines flying from the Bhubaneswar Airport

Currently, the airport has some of the top domestic airlines functioning from the premise. In fact, airlines that operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport include AirAsia India, Air India, Alliance Air, GoAir, IndiGo and Vistara. These flights from Biju Patnaik International Airport connect to major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Varanasi, Surat and Ranchi, to name a few. The airport also caters to one international airline, AirAsia, which connects to Kuala Lumpur. The services to the Malaysian capital has been suspended owing to the coronavirus pandemic. However, once things go back to normal, international flight services from the airport will be resumed.

How to reach Bhubaneswar Airport

By Bus

The city of Bhubaneswar has excellent bus facilities that are run by the state government. Called the MO Bus, the services have been rolled out by the Capital Region Urban Transport to connect Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri, in the state of Odisha. The service is known to be one of the most reliable ones in the city that has reduced the transportation challenges that one might have had to face earlier. The MO Bus also has a mobile app with provisions of the map of its routes, ticket booking options and schedules of the buses traversing within the city. The ticket fare is also quite cheap and affordable. You can easily pick a bus route from the MO Bus to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. These buses are available in AC as well as Non-AC to add to the comfort of the passengers.

By Taxi and Ridesharing apps

The city has an abundance of taxi cab services available. You can easily hail a taxi cab from the city to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, it is only 3 km away from the city centre, so travelling is usually not an issue. Depending on the traffic of the city and your location, the travel time might differ, but it will not exceed 15 minutes to reach Biju Patnaik International Airport. Besides, ridesharing apps can also be used within the city premise. You can book cabs on Ola and Uber to reach Bhubaneswar Airport. Normal taxi cabs can also be hailed in the city, but you will need to discuss the fare ahead of the journey. Usually, the cabs in the city-run at fixed prices so it is always safe to ask in advance about the fare and whether it is feasible.