Bihar’s Air Connectivity Expands Rapidly with New Airports and Infrastructure Upgrades

Bihar has witnessed unprecedented growth in air services in the last two decades. There has been a strong growth in air connectivity, infrastructure and economic activities in the state. The state now stands in a much stronger position on the air traffic map.

Let us tell you that in the year 2005, only Patna and Gaya airports were operational in Bihar. If we look at the figures, in the year 2005-06, a total of 4,788 aircraft movements took place from the airports of Bihar and about 2.48 lakh passengers traveled by air. At the same time, in 2023-24 this figure increased to 29,614 aircraft movements and 42.86 lakh passengers. This shows an increase of about 6 times and 17 times respectively. This growth is a clear indication of the development of air connectivity and infrastructure in Bihar.

Chief Secretary Shri Amrit Lal Meena said that the State Government is working under the guidance and coordination of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Land is being provided for the expansion of airports from state resources. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing the necessary infrastructure, including the terminal building. Our resolve is that no place in the state should be more than 200 km away from the airport."

Darbhanga Civil Enclave

Darbhanga Civil Enclave is an important airport located in the northern region of Bihar, located in the Indian Air Force station. Commercial flights from this airport started on 8 November 2020. It was developed under the UDAN scheme of the Central Government, which aims to connect small cities of the country by air. Initially, direct flights were started from Darbhanga to big cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. In the very first year, there was a good response from the passengers and this airport became one of the major airports of Bihar.

In the year 2023-24, there were 3,335 aircraft movements and more than 5.26 lakh passengers traveled from here, which shows its rapid development. Today Darbhanga Airport has become an important air connectivity center for the people of Mithila and North Bihar.

This airport is being expanded in accordance with international standards so that large aircraft can be operated. So that it can be done easily. The Bihar Cabinet has approved ₹245 crore for the acquisition of 90 acres of additional land on 10 January 2025. The aim of this project is to develop Darbhanga Airport as an international airport.

Development of other airports

Significant progress has been made towards strengthening air connectivity in Bihar. The process of development of various airports in Bihar is progressing rapidly under the decisions taken by the state government and the approved projects.

1. Raxaul Brownfield Airport

Approval: The Bihar Cabinet approved the acquisition of 139 acres of land at a cost of ₹207 crore on 10 January 2025.

This airport is under the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and will be developed by AAI itself.

2. Birpur Airport (Supaul)

Approval: The Bihar Cabinet approved the acquisition of 88.83 acres of land on 4 February 2025 at a cost of ₹42.37 crore. This airport will be developed under the UDAN scheme.

3. Purnia Civil Enclave

Development work: Work is going on at a fast pace for the development of Purnia Airport (Chunapur), which will strengthen regional connectivity.

For better access to the airport from Purnia city, the Bihar government has approved a four-lane road project between Goasi and Chunapur. This project will make it possible for passengers to move smoothly and quickly to the airport. Its total budget is ₹14,86,21,000.

The construction of the interim civil enclave has been started by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) in March 2025. At the same time, the work of construction of boundary wall of the airport has been given by the Building Construction Department and its work has also started in March 2025.

This project is a big step towards strengthening air connectivity for Purnia and surrounding areas.

4. Bihta Civil Enclave

Project Approval: Airport Authority of India (AAI) has ordered construction work for the construction of Bihta Airport at a cost of Rs 459.99 crore. This airport construction work will be completed by the end of 2027.

Patna Airport has high passenger pressure. Bihta Airport is being developed as an alternative solution.

Operation of large aircraft like A-321, B-737-800, A-320 will be possible from this airport. The new terminal, utility building, airside road, taxiway, airfield system, security system etc. will be included. This will give Bihar new heights industrially and economically, and will be useful in emergency.

Development of Small Airports

State government-owned Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar, Birpur, Madhubani, Munger and Saharsa airports as well as Airports Authority of India (AAI)'s Muzaffarpur airport have received bids for development under the UDAN scheme.

Development objective: These airports will be made ready to operate small aircraft with a capacity of up to 19 seats.

The Bihar government has given its consent for the development of these airports on 13 January 2025. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has given in-principle approval for the development of the above 7 airports in the Project Evaluation Committee meeting held on 19 February 2025.