Frankfurt to Bhubaneswar Flights

  About Frankfurt

Another beautiful city in Germany worth visiting is Frankfurt. It is home to a lot of world-renowned museums, galleries and historic cathedrals. Not to mention, it promises several stunning views, too. Frankfurt is a popular city for layovers, and if you have to wait for a longer duration, you must head out to explore the city. If Germany is the next destination on your travel list, you must also add Frankfurt to the itinerary. It is the fifth-largest city in Germany and has a lot in store for tourists. Not only does Frankfurt have a lot of tourist attractions but it also has a lot of activities in store for you. The city is also known for its eclectic dining scenes and connects to other cities in the country, along with other popular cities in the nearby European countries. It goes without saying that you cannot get enough of the beer here. Germany is known for its craft beer, and you must certainly try some here. It is also quite easy to book a hotel in Frankfurt on your budget.

Best Time to Visit Frankfurt

April to September is said to be the best time to visit Frankfurt. The temperature is mild and pleasant, and you can enjoy the views of the city without any hindrance. March to May is spring season in the city and June to August is summer. You can attend the largest folk festival called Frankfurt's Ratsweg Fairground and the Frankfurter Sausage Festival that has a lot of arts and crafts markets along with rides that you can enjoy. Spring is not exactly a high season in the city, which makes booking a hotel in Frankfurt quite easy and affordable. You will also see fewer tourists as compared to summer, and this is the perfect time to plan a trip to Frankfurt.

Summer is the most popular season for people to plan a trip to Germany. The days are longer and night shorter. Though the temperature barely crosses 26 degree Celsius during the day, it is best to plan your commute in advance. Travelling by trams or buses that have no air conditioning can be a little bit of trouble if you can't bear the heat. Since it is high season, it is advisable to book your hotel in Frankfurt in advance. Most hotels will be booked and getting decent accommodation at the last moment will be a hindrance. You might have to settle for something you are not entirely happy with, at a higher price. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Frankfurt in advance, so you don't have to spend extra when there is a surge in prices. This is the best season to binge on Frankfurt'sFrankfurt's Apfelwein, which is basically apple wine. You will find it in a lot of pubs and bars in the city. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events that you can attend. You can check out the open-air screenings or head to the beach bars for a party along the Main River. If you are visiting the city in August, make sure you carry a light jacket with you with an umbrella since there are chances of rains in this month.

September to October are fall season in Frankfurt, and the city sees relief from the scorching heat. Frankfurt'sFrankfurt's version of Oktobeerfest is not as big as it is in Munich, but you will enjoy yourself here. You will also find a lot of events hosted in the city during this time, and you can sign up for the event's newsletter to get all the updates about it to buy the tickets as soon as it is available. You will find fewer tourists in Frankfurt since the high tourist season ends by August end and early September.

November to March is winter in the city, and this is not an ideal time to visit Germany. However, you can still plan your trip to Frankfurt in December if you want to celebrate Christmas here. You can treat yourself to hot gluhwein (mulled wine) to stay warm. Head to St Paul's Square, Hauptwache and Friedrich-Stoltze-Square area and Mainkai, which is the Main Quay. The temperature drops below freezing temperatures, so you might want to pack an extra set of warm clothes. There is also a high chance of rainfall during winter, which is what makes it an unfavourable time to visit the city. You will also get cheap flight tickets to Frankfurt during this time since it is not a big tourist time in the city.

Places to Visit in Frankfurt

Goethe House is a popular tourist attraction in the city that all history buffs can visit. Renowned writer Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe was born here and lived here till 1765. The house suffered severe damage during World War II after the bombarding, but a lot of it was restored after the war ended. Palm Garden is the largest botanical garden in Frankfurt and the best place to go to for an evening stroll. St Bartholomew'sBartholomew's Church was built between the 13th and 15th century with red sandstones. It holds the status of being an Imperial Cathedral and is an important place to visit. You will find yourself admiring the architecture of the Church. Head over to Sachsenhausen to indulge in some apfelwein or ebbelwoi, and these are kinds of apple ciders produced locally. Head over to Hauptwache if you want to go on a shopping spree and grab a quick bite on the way. If you are an art lover, you can visit the Schirn Kunsthalle. The centre hosts a lot of art exhibitions, be it contemporary or historical themes.

Things to do in Frankfurt

If you are a die-hard romantic, head over to Eiserner Steg, a pedestrian bridge near River Main, you will find a lot of colourful padlocks on the railings. You can also give in to the tradition and add a padlock of your own hoping for eternal, everlasting love. Apple wine is a popularly found drink in Frankfurt, and the locals swear by it. You can head to the best pubs and bars in the locality to try some of it. You can also sign up for a local, guided sightseeing tour of the city. You can head to the Dialog Museum where you can experience what a blind person does, for an hour. A blind guide will lead you through the pitch darkness, and you can experience going on a boat ride, buying a drink and other such tasks through your other senses. Sounds fun, right? Head over to the art and history museums in the city if that's what attracts you to the city. Frankfurt is also known for its eclectic dining scene, and you will find a lot of pork-related dishes in the restaurants here. Sign up for a food and beer tasting tour of the city if you don't feel like exploring the city on your own.

Food and Restaurants in Frankfurt

Not just beer but Germany is also known for its cuisines. You can binge on German sausages, commonly called Frankfurter Wurstchen. It is served with a slice of bread, mustard and horseradish. If you are a cheese lover, you must definitely try the Handkaes mit Musik that are served in most gastro pubs and restaurants. Appelwoi is a popular type of beer that the locals enjoy and you must, too. You can also try the other types of craft beer in the city. Germany is popular for its variety of pork dishes. Reserve a table at The Legacy Bar and Grill or Thai and Turf - Steakhouse. You will also find a lot of cafes in the city that you will enjoy. Trattoria I Siciliani is a popular Italian restaurant in the city. If you are in the mood for steak or Japanese food, make sure you head to Kabuki Frankfurt. You can head to the various pubs and bars to have a mug of strong German beer.

How to reach Frankfurt (Transportation)

Frankfurt International Airport is the fifth-largest in Germany and is also the main hub for Lufthansa, Condor and AeroLogic. The flight connectivity to Frankfurt from India is excellent. Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa are some of the airlines that have frequent flights to Frankfurt. If you book well in advance, you might even get cheap flight tickets to Frankfurt. It is quite easy to get a taxi or car rental from the airport to your hotel. The airport also has WiFi, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas, currency exchange and a lot of other facilities that you can use. If you have to kill time during a layover at Frankfurt airport, you will not get bored at all. If you are heading to Frankfurt from another city in Germany or any other nearby European country, you can take the train. The city is well-connected by rails. You can also opt for a road trip, and you will be treated to the stunning views of European cities and cultures.

  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 Frankfurt Airport

Germany's Frankfurt International Airport is located close to Kelsterbach in Frankfurt. It is an important international airport in the country and also serves as the main hub for Lufthansa airlines. This also includes Lufthansa CityLine and Lufthansa Cargo. There are two passenger terminals and has the capacity to handle an approximate total of 65 million passengers in a year. In Europe, Frankfurt International Airport is the busiest after Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, with respect to passenger traffic.

About Airport Terminals

Frankfurt am Main Airport has two main passenger terminals along with a First Class Terminal that is exclusively used and operated by Lufthansa. It follows the similar structure that London Heathrow Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (Tom Bradley International Terminal) and Toronto Pearson Airport. Chicago's O'Hare Airport is also working towards completion of its First Class terminal called Global Terminal, which would see operations of airline alliances. Terminal 1 is the passenger terminal which is larger in comparison to the other terminals and is also the older one. It is 420 meters long and has experienced constantly expansions multitudes of times. The terminal is divided into four concourses, namely A, B, C and Z. It also can accommodate about 50 million passengers in a year. The terminal is further split into three levels with each dedicated to special services.

The departures level is on the upper floor while the arrival and baggage claim rests on the ground floor. There is a dedicated distribution floor too, which has access to the underground as well as multilevel parking available. The airport authorities have further built separate street to connect the departures and arrivals levels. The terminal has 103 gates in total out of which, 54 gates are equipped with jetways. The terminal primarily caters to Lufthansa and the airlines associated namely, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines and Eurowings. Even Star Alliance operates from Terminal 1 with airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Air China, Croatia Airlines, Air Canada, Air India, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines and United Airlines, to name a few.

Terminal 2 has been reserved for airlines falling under Oneworld (British Airways, Iberia, Kuwait Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Finnair and more) as well as SkyTeam alliance airlines namely, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air and more. A handful of airlines that do not belong to the alliances also operate from the terminal. Lufthansa First Class Terminal operates from near Terminal 1 and is reserved for first-class passengers and frequent flyer members of HON Circle.

About Airport Authority

Frankfurt Airport's airport authority is Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide. Commonly recognized as Fraport, the German transport company also works on operations of various airports along with Frankfurt Airport. Fraport is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Xetra as well. Interestingly, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide also has ownership and stakes in Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport under the DIAL (Delhi International Airport Private Limited) consortium.

Fraport made it possible for Indira Gandhi International Airport to accommodate A380 operations. The company also has Deutsche Lufthansa AG as a shareholder with about 8.44 per cent stakes. To enhance the climate protection targets as well as contribute to mitigating climate change, they have built green electricity. Fraport plans to make use of renewable energy to meet the climate protection targets. At the same time, they are also rooting for the Frankfurt Airport to slash the CO2 emissions from 170,000 to 80,000 metric tons at least by 2030. Their eventual plan is to make Frankfurt Airport CO-2 free by 2050 with the use of a renewable source of energy.

Further, on the same, Fraport is also aiming at generating its electricity to run the Frankfurt Airport. Solar panels are being installed at the CargoCity South. The authority claims that as and when the panels are completely installed, Frankfurt Airport would generate about 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in a year.

Top airlines flying from Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport sees a large space reserved for Lufthansa and the Star Alliance partners falling under its account. The airport sees 77 per cent of passengers from flights of Lufthansa and the airlines that fall under Star Alliance. Dedicated airlines are already present as the Frankfurt Airport has been perfectly balanced for various international flight operations. Sixty-five per cent of intercontinental flights in Germany also function from Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa, which is a German-based enterprise, sees a dedicated terminal reserved for flight operations.

Meanwhile, several international airlines flying from Frankfurt Airport include Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Condor, Croatia Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Gulf Air, Iberia, Iran Air, Icelandair, KLM Royal Dutch Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways and Vietnam Airlines. They connect to various major international cities such as New York City, London, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, Mexico City, Brussels, Cape Town, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and more.

Facilities at the Frankfurt International Airport

In-terminal shuttle service - There are buggy and shuttle services for quick transit from one terminal to another. These services come in handy when there is a connecting flight that you need to catch in a short period of time. They are available at all the terminals in departures as well as arrivals zones.

Special assistance - There are trained staff at the Frankfurt International Airport you can take assistance from to escort you through the vicinity and offer to be a personal guide.

Porter service - The airport also provides porter services. They will take care of all your luggage and even transport them to the terminals required. You can leet the staff to handle your luggage concerns, and they will do a good job.

Lounge and VIP rooms - Exclusive lounges and VIP room facilities are available at the airport premise. The elegant lounges with exquisite decor and world-class hospitality would certainly be a good way to spend time at Frankfurt International Airport. There are business meeting rooms also available as are conference lounges.

ATMs and foreign exchange - ATM kiosks are spread across all terminals at the airport. The arrivals section also has dedicated foreign exchange counters for international travellers. You can get your money exchanged at the airport itself instead of getting it beforehand and fearing the safety and security of the money you're carrying.

Hotels - There are a plethora of lavish airports in the proximity of Frankfurt International Airport as well as within the terminal. Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel is right at the airport premise. Meanwhile, other hotels around the Frankfurt International Airport include InterCityHotel Frankfurt Airport, Hyatt Place Frankfurt Airport, Park Inn by Radisson Frankfurt, to name a few.

Work stations - One of the perks of Frankfurt International Airport is the provision of workspace. Travellers who have to work on the go can avail this service and take up a workspace within the airport premise while you wait for your flight. It is quite convenient.

Dog hotel - For travellers who cannot take their pets along with them for vacations, you can always avail the airport's Dog Hotel benefits. It serves as a dog hostel where the services are good, and the pets are well-maintained.

Baby care rooms - Frankfurt International Airport facilitates baby care rooms for new mothers with infants. Sanitary products and the well-kept room is ideal for mothers and their babies.

Medical services - The airport also ensures to keep devoted staff to take care of medical emergencies. There are pharmacies also available at the departure as well as arrival zones of all the terminals.

How to reach Frankfurt Airport

Rail

It is easy to reach Frankfurt Airport from the city's regional station. You can find it at Terminal 1's concourse B. There is proper access to S-Bahn commuter rail lines which depart at regular intervals. The connectivity is spectacular as the train would take on 10-12 minutes to reach Frankfurt Central Station from the airport. Additional services to connect Frankfurt Airport and the Central Station are also available. Frankfurt Airport also caters to the long-distance station, which was opened in 1999. From the Frankfurt Airport, you can reach Cologne and even Netherlands and Belgium through Cologne.Buses and coaches

Several transport companies also provide bus services that would reach you to Frankfurt Airport. They also have services that work for long-distance destinations from the airport. You can reach Frankfurt Airport from various parts of Germany by using their buses and coaches operations. Interestingly, All Nippon Airways had a dedicated bus service to Düsseldorf from Frankfurt Airport exclusively for passengers. The connection was perfect and extremely convenient for people who were travelling from All Nippon Airways to reach Frankfurt Airport. However, a separate flight from Tokyo to Düsseldorf was chartered, and since then, the bus services have been suspended.

Rental cars and taxis

Another good way to reach Frankfurt Airport is to take up car rentals and taxis. It would be easy to reach Frankfurt airport without any stress as it would mean you can rest easy in the car.

  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.