Patna: Air travellers in the Mithilanchal region are set to face further disruptions after IndiGo announced the suspension of its Darbhanga-Kolkata flight service from June 16 and reduced the frequency of flights on the Hyderabad route.
The move has sparked concern among passengers and local organisations, who say air connectivity from Darbhanga Airport is shrinking despite rising passenger demand in North Bihar.
Kolkata Flights To Be Discontinued
According to reports, IndiGo’s direct service between Darbhanga and Kolkata will cease operations entirely from June 16.
Meanwhile, flights between Darbhanga and Hyderabad will now operate only four days a week.
No flights on the Hyderabad route will be available on:
- Mondays
- Wednesdays
- Fridays
Industry sources indicated that aircraft were being redeployed for new operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, affecting services at Darbhanga.
Passengers Fear Renewed Travel Difficulties
The suspension of the Kolkata route is expected to affect thousands of passengers who regularly travelled for:
- medical treatment
- education
- business purposes
The route had been operational for nearly five years.
Passengers now fear they will once again have to depend on:
- long-distance train travel
- connecting flights via Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport
The reduction in Hyderabad flights is also likely to impact:
- IT professionals
- migrant workers
- travellers relying on connecting flights to southern India
Concerns Over Shrinking Services
Residents and local organisations said Darbhanga Airport had emerged as a critical transport hub for North Bihar.
They argued that while passenger traffic at the airport has continued to rise, airline services and facilities were being reduced rather than expanded.
Passengers also complained about rising airfares on routes to:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
Several social organisations have urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to intervene and restore the discontinued services.
The latest reductions have intensified concerns about long-term air connectivity in the Mithilanchal region.
