Patna: Bihar’s capital took a giant leap in aviation infrastructure as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of Patna Airport on Thursday. The revamped terminal, equipped with cutting-edge passenger amenities, can now handle up to 3,000 passengers during peak hours and aims to serve 1 crore travellers annually—a fourfold jump from its earlier capacity of 25 lakh.
The terminal, spread over 65,150 square meters, reflects a harmonious blend of modern infrastructure and traditional heritage, with its exterior adorned in Madhubani paintings and Mithila art—an ode to Bihar’s rich cultural legacy.
Seamless Travel Experience with Modern Amenities
The new terminal will enable passengers to board aircraft directly via aerobridges—a first for the airport. Out of five planned aerobridges, one has already been constructed. The terminal features 64 check-in counters, 9 Automated Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS), four conveyor belts in the arrival hall, and 15 lifts and four escalators, ensuring a smooth flow of passengers at all stages.
A G-plus-two structure, the terminal separates arrival (ground floor) from departure (upper floor) for better operational efficiency. The design incorporates green building elements such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting. The terminal is also under consideration for Green Building Certification.
Enhanced Safety and Passenger Facilities
Security has been upgraded with a three-layer checking system: the first at the main entrance, second post check-in, and third before boarding. Over 100 CCTV cameras, body scanners, and a facial recognition system have been installed to ensure comprehensive surveillance. Separate security checks for women and special facilities for differently-abled passengers further enhance the passenger experience.
The terminal also includes:
- Multi-level car parking for 750 vehicles
- EV charging points
- 8 departure and 4 arrival gates
- Waiting lounges, cafeterias, baby care rooms, and mobile charging stations
Boost to Air Traffic and Economy
With parking space for 11 aircraft at once and the capacity to manage 75 flight pairs daily, Patna Airport is now poised to become a central air hub for eastern India. This development is expected to boost tourism, ease travel for business professionals, and strengthen connectivity across the region.
Bihta Airport Also Under Transformation
Meanwhile, the proposed Bihta Airport, located on the outskirts of Patna, is also undergoing rapid development. Spread across 68,000 square feet, it will also handle 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with a projected annual capacity of 50 lakh by 2047.
Key features planned for Bihta Airport include:
- 64 check-in counters
- 16 self-check-in kiosks
- 10 ATRS systems
- Multi-level parking and a dedicated service block
The old administrative buildings at Bihta are scheduled for demolition within 45 days, following the awarding of tenders.
With these significant infrastructure upgrades at Patna and Bihta airports, Bihar is set to redefine air travel standards in eastern India—providing passengers with faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys while embracing sustainability and local culture.
