Patna: The Bihar government has drawn up an ambitious plan to renovate and develop 15 airports across the state, signalling a renewed push to improve air connectivity beyond major urban centres. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun preparing feasibility reports for the proposed projects, with construction and expansion work expected to start once the studies are completed.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at linking smaller towns and remote regions that have historically lacked access to air travel. Feasibility studies are under way to assess the operation of 19-seater aircraft in cities including Madhubani, Birpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Bhagalpur and Saharsa. The state government has already paid Rs 2.43 crore to the AAI for these assessments.
Separate studies are being conducted for Motihari and Chhapra at an additional cost of Rs 1.21 crore. At the same time, the government is exploring the possibility of allowing civilian flights from the Ulaw military airfield in Begusarai and the Sabeya military airfield in Gopalganj, potentially expanding the state’s aviation footprint without building entirely new infrastructure.
Security and safety clearances form a key part of the planning process. Around Rs 2.90 crore has been released for Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) surveys in Sultanganj (Bhagalpur), Birpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur and Saharsa. These surveys are intended to identify physical obstacles along flight paths to ensure compliance with aviation safety norms.
Darbhanga airport is set to play a central role in the state’s aviation strategy. In addition to passenger services, the government plans to develop a logistics park and cargo hub on 50 acres of land near the airport, with an allocation of Rs 138 crore. A further Rs 147 crore is being spent to acquire 12 additional acres in Saharsa for runway expansion.
Elsewhere, land acquisition is under way for a greenfield airport at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district, a project estimated to cost Rs 931 crore. Plans have also been announced for a new airport spread over 4,228 acres in Sonpur, alongside expansion works at Raxaul and Bihta.
State officials say the airport projects are expected to boost tourism, trade and employment while attracting private investment. By strengthening regional air connectivity, the government hopes to accelerate economic development and reshape Bihar’s integration with national and regional markets.
