Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is estimated to be worth between ₹5,000‑₹7,000 crore and serves around 5 million passengers annually. The BJD has branded the lease proposal as “highly condemnable” and urged the central government to withdraw it immediately.

  • Estimated value of Biju Patnaik International Airport: ₹5,000‑₹7,000 crore.
  • Central government earned a profit of ₹238 crore in FY 2022‑23; projected profits exceed ₹500 crore.
  • BJD vows mass agitation against a 50‑year private lease.

Bhubaneswar, August 26, 2026 – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a fierce attack on the BJP‑led centre’s proposal to lease Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport to a private entity. BJD MLA and former minister Dibya Shankar Mishra addressed a press conference on Tuesday, calling the move “highly condemnable.”

The central government has approved a plan to bundle Biju Patnaik Airport with Karnataka’s Hubballi Airport under a Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) model. Mishra argued that handing over a flagship Odishan asset, named after legendary leader Biju Patnaik, to private hands is unacceptable.

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Financially, the airport is far from a loss‑making entity. In FY 2022‑23 the centre recorded a net profit of ₹238 crore from the airport, and analysts project annual profits to cross ₹500 crore in the coming years. Such revenue streams are critical for both the state and the union treasury.

Serving roughly 5 million passengers each year, Biju Patnaik International Airport ranks among India’s busiest and most profitable airports. The BJD emphasized that it cannot be treated like a non‑profitable government institution typically slated for lease.

Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s contributions to the airport’s expansion were highlighted, with the party asserting that Odia citizens will not accept a 50‑year lease to a private operator. The BJD demanded an immediate withdrawal of the order and warned of a “strong agitation” if the decision stands.

The party also called for further development, including additional terminals, arguing that central investment would amplify profits far beyond current forecasts.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that privatizing a high‑earning airport like Biju Patnaik International could set a precedent for other profitable regional airports, potentially shifting revenue streams away from state governments to private conglomerates.

"Privatization of such a strategic asset may undermine state fiscal autonomy and raise tariff concerns for passengers," says Avanti Singh, independent economic analyst.
Did You Know?: In 2019‑20, the airport handled over 30 million tonnes of cargo, making it a vital hub for Odisha’s trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the BJD organize protests or legislative action against the lease?
A: The party has signaled plans for a large‑scale public agitation, including rallies and possible parliamentary motions.

Q2: How might a private lease affect travelers?
A: Experts suggest service quality could improve, but fare hikes and reduced local employment are potential downsides.