Exploring Bihar's Domestic Airport Network: A Comprehensive Overview

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has several airports, including domestic, international, and military airports. While the state has traditionally been known for its poor infrastructure, recent developments have led to improvements in its aviation sector. Currently, there is only one operational domestic airport in Bihar, the Darbhanga Airport, which boasts the longest runway in the state. However, there are plans to develop and resume operations at other domestic airports in the state.

The state of Bihar has several airports, including military aviation bases, operated by the Airports Authority of India

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has several airports operated by the Airports Authority of India. These include international, domestic, and military airports.

The state's primary gateway is the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, the state capital. Established in 1973, this airport is named after the renowned political leader Jayprakash Narayan. It is the busiest airport in Bihar, with modern communication and navigation systems, three terminals, and a new two-level terminal currently under construction.

The Gaya International Airport, located near the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya, is Bihar's second busiest airport. It serves both domestic and international travellers, with seasonal international flights to countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

The Darbhanga Airport, strategically located near national highways, is the only operational domestic airport in Bihar. It has the longest runway in the state and is equipped with essential facilities, including parking and check-in counters.

In addition to these, there are several non-operational domestic airports in Bihar, such as Raxaul, Munger, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. The state also has military aviation bases, including the Bihta Air Force Station, Purnea Airport, and Sabeya Airport in Gopalganj.

Bihar's aviation infrastructure has seen significant developments, enhancing connectivity, economic growth, and tourism in the region. With ongoing projects and plans for expansion, the state is committed to fostering a dynamic and accessible aviation landscape.

There are two international airports in Bihar, Gaya Airport and Jay Prakash Narayan Airport

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has two international airports: Gaya Airport and Jay Prakash Narayan Airport. These airports, along with several domestic airports in the state, have improved connectivity to the region and facilitated economic development and tourism.

Gaya Airport, located about 5 kilometres from the main city of Gaya, is the second busiest airport in Bihar. Established in 2002, it serves as a vital domestic hub and operates seasonal international flights. The airport covers 954 acres and features two aerobridges and an apron capable of handling Airbus A320 aircraft. Gaya is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination, and the airport serves tourists from various countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, also known as Patna Airport, is situated about 5 kilometres from the railway station in Patna, the capital of Bihar. It is the state's primary and largest airport, spanning 254 acres. The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 caters to domestic flights, Terminal 2 to international flights, and Terminal 3 is used for cargo. Named after the political leader Jayprakash Narayan, this airport is India's fifteenth busiest and has modern communication and navigation systems to ensure smooth flight operations. A new two-level terminal is currently under construction to enhance passenger facilities and accommodate around 2.5 million travellers annually.

In addition to these international airports, Bihar also has several domestic airports, such as Darbhanga Airport, which holds the distinction of having the state's longest runway. The state is also witnessing the development of new airports, such as the recently inaugurated Darbhanga Airport, which will boost connectivity and economic growth in the region.

Darbhanga Airport is the only operational domestic airport in Bihar

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has several airports, including international, domestic, and military airports. Despite this, only three commercial airports are currently operational. Darbhanga Airport is the only operational domestic airport in the state.

Darbhanga Airport is located in the Mithila region of Bihar and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2020. Strategically situated near National Highways NH-105 and NH-57, the airport is easily accessible and serves a large population. It is also equipped with essential facilities, including parking space for 30 cars and six check-in counters.

The airport has the longest runway in Bihar, measuring 2,500 metres in length, and is capable of handling large aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Commercial flights to destinations such as Patna, Delhi, and Kolkata are operated by IndiGo and SpiceJet.

Darbhanga Airport is of great significance to the region, fostering economic development and enhancing connectivity. It is also planned for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the runway, construction of a new passenger terminal, and the installation of a modern Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower. These enhancements will further increase the airport's capacity and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

In summary, Darbhanga Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the people of Bihar with the rest of the country and the world. With its strategic location, modern facilities, and planned upgrades, it is an important gateway for domestic travel in the state.

The other six domestic airports in Bihar are currently closed

Bihar is a state in eastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is home to ancient sites like Nalanda and Bodh Gaya, which attract tourists from around the world. In recent years, the state has also witnessed significant developments in infrastructure, including its airports.

While the state has several airports, only three are operational as of 2024. These include two international airports, the Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna and the Gaya International Airport, and one domestic airport, the Darbhanga Airport. The other six domestic airports in Bihar are currently closed.

The closed airports include Raxaul Airport, Munger Airport, Bhagalpur Airport, Begusarai Airport, Birpur Airport, and Chhapra Airport. These airports were once part of Bihar's aviation network but are now non-operational due to various reasons.

Raxaul Airport, located in Raxaul, was a vital gateway for the region. Munger Airport, about 5 km from the district headquarters of Munger, was renovated in 2015 at a cost of INR 8 crore, and its renovated runway and lounge were inaugurated in 2016. Bhagalpur Airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India, also contributed to the state's connectivity. Begusarai Airport, also known as Ulao Airport, is situated in Begusarai and has a runway length of 770 meters.

Birpur Airport and Chhapra Airport are among the non-operational airstrips in Bihar that serve emergency purposes. These closed airports hold a history and played a role in the state's aviation landscape, but they are currently inactive.

Despite the closure of these six domestic airports, Bihar's aviation sector is gradually improving. The state government has initiated various plans to modernise the airports, attracting new airlines and enhancing connectivity. These developments will foster economic development, cultural exchange, and tourism in the region.

The state government has various plans to modernise the airports in Bihar, which will attract new airlines and boost the local economy

Bihar, a state in eastern India, has long been known for its poor infrastructure and slow economic growth. However, the state government has recognised the importance of aviation infrastructure development and is committed to modernising its airports to attract new airlines, boost the local economy, and enhance cultural exchange and tourism. Here are the plans for each airport:

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna

The state's busiest airport, named after a renowned political leader, is currently undergoing a massive expansion project. A new two-level terminal will be constructed to accommodate an estimated 2.5 million passengers annually, with modern facilities to enhance the overall passenger experience.

Gaya International Airport, Gaya

Gaya International Airport, the state's second busiest airport, is a vital hub for Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The airport already boasts advanced infrastructure, including two aerobridges and an apron capable of handling Airbus A320 aircraft. Further upgrades are planned to accommodate more traffic and improve connectivity.

Darbhanga Airport, Darbhanga

Darbhanga Airport, with the longest runway in Bihar, is set to undergo comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. The expansion of the runway, construction of a new passenger terminal, installation of an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, and incorporation of cargo facilities are all in the works. These enhancements will enable the airport to handle more traffic, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity in the region.

Bihta Air Force Station, Bihta

The Airports Authority of India is considering relocating the international airport from Patna to Bihta due to the former's short runway length. With approval from the Indian Air Force, Bihta will host one of the next civil aviation airports in Bihar, with a passenger terminal currently under construction.

Air Force Station Purnea, Purnea

Originally a defence base for the Indian Air Force, this airport is being renovated under the UDAN scheme to accommodate civil aviation operations. The runway is being upgraded to handle larger aircraft, and the Indian government intends for it to become a significant international airport by 2025.

Sabeya Airport, Gopalganj

This colonial-era military airport is also under the UDAN scheme and is being repaired and renovated to accommodate civil aviation operations. A passenger terminal is being constructed, and the airport is expected to boost connectivity and economic development in the region.

Other Airports

There are several other domestic airports in Bihar that are currently non-operational, including Raxaul, Munger, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Muzaffarpur. With the state government's focus on aviation infrastructure development, there is potential for these airports to be modernised and reactivated, further improving air connectivity and accessibility in the state.

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