Press Information Bureau

A New Dawn for Bihar’s Skies

On a foggy winter morning in Patna, as the first flight of the day cuts through the mist, hundreds of travellers wait eagerly at the new terminal. From nervous students off to exams, excited families on their way to weddings, to sharp-suited entrepreneurs chasing business, the terminal hums with stories waiting to take flight. Not long ago, such journeys meant hours on trains or buses. Today, Bihar’s skies tell a different story; one of new terminals, fresh routes, and growing wings. In Bihar, a state with a rich cultural heritage and rising economic aspirations, the aviation sector is undergoing a transformative shift with national and global reach.

Major Aviation Hubs of Bihar

Recent projects have placed Bihar on the aviation map more prominently than ever before, linking Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bihta, and Purnea to the rest of India. From modernized terminals to new airports, all signal that Bihar is not just catching up, it’s taking off.

Purnea Airport Enters a New Era

Purnea took a major step forward in air connectivity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport. The new facility significantly enhances passenger handling capacity, positioning the airport to better serve the growing demand for air travel in the region. This not only strengthens Bihar’s aviation infrastructure but also promises to boost economic activity, tourism, and accessibility in one of the state’s key districts.

Patna Airport: A Landmark in Bihar’s Aviation Story

With spacious lounges, efficient check-in systems, and facilities built for comfort, a gleaming new terminal now stands at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, marking a proud milestone in Bihar’s aviation journey. Designed with modern architecture and advanced passenger amenities, the terminal can handle up to 10 million passengers annually, a scale that matches Bihar’s rising aspirations. Over the course of 2014 to 2024, the Patna Airport emerged as a key node in Bihar’s aviation network, handling nearly 3 crore passengers, moving around 83,000 tonnes of freight, and recording 24,026 average aircraft movements annually. These milestones reflect not just growth in numbers, but the broader revolution of Bihar’s air infrastructure into a modern, inclusive system. The airport has transformed into a true gateway for travellers from across the state.

Bihta Airport: Building the Future

Adding to the aviation momentum is the development of Bihta Airport. A project with an investment of ₹1,413 crore, the foundation stone for the new Civil Enclave at Bihta Air Force Station has been laid which will serve as a major hub in the west of Patna. Designed to handle 50 lakh passengers, its modern facilities will complement Patna’s international airport, further strengthening the region’s connectivity.

The Bihta terminal blends modern aviation architecture with echoes of Bihar’s golden past, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties, as well as the scholarly legacies of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Bihta’s promise lies not only in infrastructure, but in vision. It is poised to be a launchpad for Bihar’s next phase of aviation growth, enabling smoother travel, supporting trade, and attracting new opportunities for the state’s economy.

Darbhanga Airport: North Bihar’s Sky Bridge

Since becoming operational under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme in 2020, Darbhanga Airport has quickly become a vital link for Bihar. With direct flights to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, it has opened doors to opportunities and destinations nationwide.

In FY 2023-24 alone, more than 5 lakh passengers chose Darbhanga as their launchpad, each flight a signal that connectivity has come home. Darbhanga’s growing flight network symbolizes inclusion. It brings the people of North Bihar closer to India’s urban centers, while also carrying their culture, talent, and enterprise beyond the state’s borders.

Gaya Airport: A Buddhist Gateway with Growing Promise

Few airports carry the weight of both history and modern travel the way Gaya does. Each year, it greets students and professionals, while also opening its gates to thousands of pilgrims, monks, and seekers tracing the footsteps of the Buddha at Bodh Gaya. Spread across 954 acres and built with precision, it is capable of handling 250 arrivals and 250 departures. Gaya Airport is steadily growing, as a cultural bridge linking Bihar to the world’s Buddhist heartlands. It connects Bihar’s timeless heritage to a global audience while anchoring the state firmly on India’s aviation map.

Bihar’s Skies, Bright and Boundless

As the runways at Patna gleam under new lights, Bihta prepares for takeoff, Darbhanga hums with daily departures, Gaya bridges continents through faith and history, and Purnia readies to welcome its first travellers, Bihar’s skies have never looked brighter. What was once a region dependent on trains and highways is now steadily transforming into an aviation hub. These airports are more than terminals; they are symbols of aspiration. Each journey carries the curiosity of learners, the drive of business, the faith of seekers, and the warmth of homecoming. Together, they mark a new chapter where Bihar is not just connected to India, but connected to the world, taking flight into a future of growth, inclusion, and opportunity.

References

Ministry of Civil Aviation

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2066445

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2132684

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1907608

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1942038

Airports Authority of India

https://www.aai.aero/hi/node/74281

https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/gaya

Press Information Bureau

https://www.pib.gov.in/ShowAlbum.aspx?albumid=196464

Other Links

https://state.bihar.gov.in/finance/cache/12/07-Mar-25/SHOW_DOCS/Economic%20Survey%20Final%2022.02.2025%20%20English_11zon.pdf

Click here to see pdf

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SK/M