Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport is transitioning away from the decades-old practice of manual aircraft refuelling using bowsers, as construction of an integrated Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) storage and hydrant facility progresses. Airport officials confirmed that both components will be ready by mid-2025 and fully operational by the end of 2027.
New Infrastructure Details
The installation includes three 2,000 kilolitre capacity tanks and a hydrant fuelling system, enabling aircraft to be refuelled directly at the bay. This eliminates the need for fuel bowsers to transport ATF across the airside, reducing vehicle traffic and associated risks.
Airport director Prasanna Pradhan described the development as “a transformational step in enhancing both safety and efficiency.” He stated that the hydrant system will save turnaround time, reduce risks of trespassing, and minimise operational delays.
Pipeline Network and Safety Improvements
The project involves laying a 2.36km pipeline network connected to 18 hydrant points across the apron. This infrastructure will drastically cut down fuel vehicle traffic within the airside area, lowering the potential for vehicle-related incidents and operational conflicts. “By reducing congestion on service routes and improving traffic management, we are creating a safer and more efficient environment for ground operations,” Pradhan added.
Officials highlighted that the facility will bring operational benefits, including reduced vehicle traffic and fewer bowsers on the tarmac, minimising risks of accidents and conflicts. Aircraft bays are expected to be less crowded, improving safety for passengers and crew, along with faster refuelling.
Closed-Loop System and Environmental Safeguards
Pradhan explained that the hydrant fuelling system will operate as a closed-loop mechanism, ensuring controlled transfer of ATF from storage tanks to aircraft. “The storage facility is already connected by pipe from the oil depot at Jatni. This reduces dependence on multiple handling stages and minimises risks of spills, leakages and contamination. Continuous monitoring and reduced manual intervention will further strengthen reliability. This system will provide consistency in fuel delivery and reinforce environmental safeguards,” he said.
Unified Safety Management
The common ATF fuelling facility will unify safety management across participating oil marketing companies. It will feature integrated fire detection and firefighting systems, centralised monitoring, and structured preventive maintenance. Controlled access and security systems will safeguard critical fuel-handling areas.
Pradhan noted that the facility is being designed in line with international aviation fuel-handling standards and best practices. “With centralised oversight and emergency preparedness, we are ensuring a higher level of safety assurance compared to fragmented fuelling operations,” he concluded.
