Muzaffarpur: In a significant development towards enhancing air connectivity in North Bihar, Patahi Airport in Muzaffarpur is set to begin air services soon, with preparations for small aircraft operations gaining momentum. On Saturday, a high-level team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), New Delhi, inspected the site and assessed its operational potential.
Detailed Inspection by AAI Officials
The visiting team of AAI officials conducted a comprehensive inspection of the airport’s existing infrastructure, including the available land (101 acres), runway orientation, landing and take-off feasibility, as well as surrounding settlements and access roads. District administration officials were present during the visit, and the inspection was documented with photographs and videos for evaluation.
The inspection focused on identifying the viability of operating small aircraft from the existing airstrip without major land acquisition, a move aimed at overcoming local resistance to large-scale expansion.
Plans for Small Aircraft Service
Currently, the airport falls within the Mushahari, Madwan, and Kanti zones of Muzaffarpur district. While 475 acres would be required to support larger commercial aircraft, such an expansion has been facing opposition from local residents due to the inclusion of nearby villages.
Instead, the plan now is to start operations with small aircraft, which would require only minor runway extension and minimal land acquisition. The service is expected to cater to local travelers, with future expansion possible depending on passenger traffic.
Boost to Regional Development
Speaking about the initiative, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrata Kumar Sen said, “The construction and operation of Patahi Airport will not only benefit the people of the district but also neighboring regions. It will act as a catalyst for the area’s overall development.”
The inspection team included senior AAI officials such as Anil Kumar Sagar (DGM Planning), Chandan Kumar (DGM Civil), Asim Bhattacharya (DGM CNC), Rohan Maheshwari (Manager Architecture), Dinesh Kumar (Manager ATM), and Ajay Kumar (Manager OPS).
Union Minister’s Efforts Bear Fruit
The push for operationalizing Patahi Airport has been largely driven by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, who actively pursued the long-pending demand after assuming office. Following his efforts, the project received central approval and an allocation of ₹25 crore to support initial infrastructure development.
Patahi Airport’s revival is a long-awaited development for Muzaffarpur residents, who have been demanding air services for decades. With government backing and local support, the airport is poised to become a vital transportation hub in North Bihar.
