Patna: Hopes of international flight connectivity from Darbhanga Airport have suffered a setback after the Airports Authority clarified that the airport’s new terminal building is being developed exclusively for domestic operations.
The clarification came in response to a complaint filed on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) portal and has sparked disappointment among residents who had expected the new facility to pave the way for overseas air services.
New Terminal Not Designed For International Operations
According to the Airports Authority, the terminal currently under construction is meant only for domestic flight operations.
The authority stated that facilities required for international services, including customs and immigration infrastructure, are subject to policy decisions and approvals from higher authorities.
As a result, there is currently no confirmation regarding the introduction of international flights from Darbhanga.
Headquarters To Take Final Decision
In its response, the Airports Authority said the matter of international flight operations falls under the jurisdiction of its headquarters.
Any decision on establishing customs, immigration and other international passenger facilities will be taken at the policy level, leaving the future of international connectivity from Darbhanga uncertain.
Construction Expected To Finish By November 2026
Airport authorities said construction of the new terminal building and apron is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2026.
Officials said approximately 68 per cent of the terminal construction work has been completed so far, while nearly 62 per cent of the apron project has been finished.
The expansion is expected to improve passenger handling capacity and operational efficiency for domestic flights.
Mithila Region Continues To Seek Overseas Connectivity
Since Darbhanga Airport became operational, residents of the Mithila region have consistently demanded direct international flight services, particularly to Gulf countries, Nepal and Southeast Asian destinations.
The demand is driven by a large population of migrant workers, professionals and businesspersons who travel abroad regularly.
The latest clarification has therefore come as a disappointment for many who viewed the new terminal project as a potential gateway to international connectivity.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Future Upgrade Costs
Local residents and stakeholders argue that building the terminal to international standards from the outset would have made future expansion easier and more cost-effective.
They fear that if international services are approved at a later stage, additional expenditure may be required to modify the infrastructure and install the necessary facilities.
For now, attention remains focused on future decisions by the Central Government and the Airports Authority regarding the possibility of granting international flight operations from Darbhanga Airport.
