Centre Allows Patna Airport to Connect with SAARC, ASEAN Nations

Patna: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Dr. Bhim Singh on Monday raised the long-pending demand for the launch of direct international flight services from Patna’s Jayaprakash Narayan Airport. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the first question of the monsoon session, Dr. Singh pointed out the gap between the airport’s “international” status and the absence of direct global connectivity.

Addressing his query to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Dr. Singh said, “Jayaprakash Narayan Airport is designated as an international airport, but no direct international flight currently operates from there. This needs to be addressed.”

Responding to the question, Minister Naidu clarified that while Patna Airport is indeed a customs-notified airport, it currently has no direct scheduled international flights. However, he emphasized that the Centre has taken significant steps to enable international connectivity from the city.

“Patna Airport is among 18 tourist gateway destinations identified by the government. Indian carriers are permitted to operate unlimited flights to five SAARC nations — Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka — and 10 ASEAN countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand,” Naidu told the House.

The Union Minister further informed that Indian airlines can also operate flights to Gulf and Southeast Asian countries from any international airport under bilateral air services agreements — including Patna. However, he noted that actual operations depend on the economic viability and business strategy of the airlines.

In a supplementary comment, Dr. Bhim Singh expressed appreciation for the development work undertaken at Patna Airport by the central government, citing the improvement in passenger amenities. He urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to now commission a feasibility study on initiating direct international flights from Patna to Gulf nations and Southeast Asia.

“This would be a practical and necessary step, especially in the interest of Bihar’s youth, migrant workers, and professionals who frequently travel abroad,” Dr. Singh said.