Patna: In a major infrastructure push ahead of the assembly elections, the Bihar government has cleared the way for the construction of six new regional airports, signalling an ambitious expansion of the state’s aviation network. The state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for setting up small airports in Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa.
An initial allocation of Rs 150 crore — Rs 25 crore per airport — has been approved to kick-start technical surveys, land acquisition, and the development of essential infrastructure such as runways and terminal buildings.
“This is a historic step towards strengthening regional air connectivity in Bihar,” said S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, while briefing the media. “These new airports will not only boost connectivity in the hinterland but also open new avenues for economic growth and employment in these regions.”
The development of small airports aligns with the government’s larger vision of decentralising air access beyond the state’s existing operational airports in Patna, Gaya and Darbhanga. Construction is also underway on a new international airport in Bihta near Patna, whose foundation was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.
Muzaffarpur, in particular, is being closely watched. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary recently announced that passenger flight services from the Patahi airport are expected to commence by 2026. Work on the Purnia airport — another key regional hub — is also progressing, with an interim terminal building currently under construction and services anticipated to begin later this year.
The plan for regional airports is part of a wider roadmap that includes developing 10 new airports across Bihar. While the current phase includes six, state officials have indicated that further budget allocations will follow, depending on project requirements and central government support.
Once operational, the new airports are expected to facilitate smaller aircraft operations, likely accommodating 19-seater planes under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme. This could offer a much-needed boost to underserved districts and potentially catalyse local tourism, trade and investment.
