By Vishwapati
Patna: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted in-principle approval for the development of seven new airports in Bihar during a Project Evaluation Committee meeting held on 19 February 2025. Over the past two decades, Bihar has witnessed a remarkable surge in air services, with significant improvements in air connectivity, infrastructure, and economic activity. The state has now firmly established itself on India’s air traffic map.
In 2005, Bihar had only two operational airports—Patna and Gaya. During the financial year 2005-06, these airports recorded a total of 4,788 aircraft movements and served approximately 2.48 lakh passengers. Fast forward to 2023-24, and these numbers have soared to 29,614 aircraft movements and 42.86 lakh passengers. This represents a six-fold increase in aircraft movements and a staggering 17-fold rise in passenger traffic, highlighting the rapid growth of aviation infrastructure in the state.
Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena emphasised that the state government is working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to support this expansion. Land for airport development is being allocated from state resources, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is overseeing the construction of essential infrastructure, including terminal buildings. The government’s goal is to ensure that no part of Bihar is more than 200 km away from an airport.
Darbhanga Civil Enclave: A Success Story
The Darbhanga Civil Enclave, located within an Indian Air Force station, has emerged as a key aviation hub in northern Bihar. Commercial flights began operating from this airport on 8 November 2020 under the central government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to improve air connectivity to smaller cities. Initially, direct flights were introduced to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The airport received an overwhelming response from passengers and quickly became one of Bihar’s busiest airports.
In 2023-24, Darbhanga Airport recorded 3,335 aircraft movements and handled over 5.26 lakh passengers, reflecting its rapid growth. Today, it serves as a vital air connectivity centre for the people of Mithila and northern Bihar. Plans are underway to expand the airport to international standards, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft. On 10 January 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved ₹245 crore for the acquisition of 90 acres of additional land, with the aim of developing Darbhanga Airport into an international facility.
Development of Smaller Airports
Under the UDAN scheme, bids have been invited for the development of several smaller airports in Bihar, including Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar, Birpur, Madhubani, Munger, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur. These airports will be equipped to handle small aircraft with a capacity of up to 19 seats. The Bihar government approved the development of these airports on 13 January 2025, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted in-principle approval during the 19 February 2025 meeting.
These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance air connectivity across Bihar, fostering regional economic development and making air travel more accessible to residents across the state.
