Patna: A new push to expand air travel in Bihar is bringing fresh hope to residents of smaller cities, as plans move forward to develop airports beyond the state capital. Bhagalpur, Motihari, Gopalganj and Chhapra have been identified for this initiative, marking a shift in focus from Patna to other parts of the state. The aim is to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic growth in regions that have long lacked easy access to air transport. For many people living in these cities, the project could make travel faster and more convenient.
To take the plan forward, a team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct a detailed survey between April 15 and April 18. During this time, experts will visit all four locations to study the land, safety conditions, and overall suitability for airport operations. This survey is important because its findings will decide whether flights can start from these cities and what kind of development work will be needed in the future.
One of the main issues being studied is the length and condition of runways. Gopalganj already has a runway of about 6,000 feet, which may be suitable for smaller aircraft. However, the runways in Bhagalpur, Chhapra and Motihari are shorter and may need to be extended. The AAI team will check if aircraft like ATRs can land safely at these airports. If changes are needed, the report will include suggestions for expansion, which will help in starting flight services.
The project is also linked to the government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to connect smaller cities with affordable flights. If these four cities are included in the scheme, ticket prices are expected to remain low, making air travel accessible to more people. This will also reduce the pressure on Patna airport, which currently handles a large number of passengers.
However, one major challenge still remains—land acquisition. More land will be needed to build or expand runways, terminals and other facilities. The government will have to arrange this land before construction can begin. The final decision will depend on the AAI survey report, which is now eagerly awaited. Until then, people in these cities are hopeful that air travel will soon become a reality closer to home.
