New Delhi: JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi to discuss pressing issues related to Darbhanga Airport, including passenger difficulties and the need for the airport’s expansion to international standards.
“Today, I met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi and handed him a detailed memorandum regarding the removal of problems faced by passengers traveling through Darbhanga Airport and the need to make it an international airport by expanding the runway,” tweeted Jha. He further noted that the Minister, showing seriousness, immediately called officials from Indigo and Akasa Airlines, instructing them to submit proposals for initiating flight services between Darbhanga and major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
The Civil Aviation Minister assured Jha that he would arrange suitable time slots for these airlines, a move aimed at easing the travel woes of passengers.
Jha underscored that the Darbhanga Airport, inaugurated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Udan Yojana, was developed under the guidance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Chief Minister, who inspected the airport multiple times, has expressed his desire to see it upgraded to international status. According to Jha, Nitish Kumar has stated that the Bihar government is willing to provide any additional land required for the airport’s expansion.
During the meeting, Jha highlighted the success of Darbhanga Airport under the Udan scheme, noting that it currently handles over five lakh passengers annually. However, he pointed out that SpiceJet, the primary operator, often faces scheduling issues and frequent flight cancellations, leading to difficulties for travelers. He urged the Minister to allocate time slots to other airlines, such as Indigo and Akasa, to foster competition and provide better services at reasonable fares.
“In view of the upcoming festive season, including Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath, resolving the current issues at Darbhanga Airport is crucial to ensure smoother travel for passengers,” Jha emphasized.
Jha stressed the strategic importance of expanding Darbhanga Airport and upgrading it to international status. “The airport serves passengers from 21 districts of Bihar and is located near the international border. Turning it into an international airport would not only benefit foreign travelers from North Bihar but also attract more international tourists and business travelers to the region,” he said.
The expansion, which would involve extending the runway from 9,000 feet to 12,000 feet, is critical to accommodate larger aircraft for international flights. Jha reaffirmed that the Bihar government is prepared to provide the necessary land for this development.
“The Minister listened attentively to all the concerns and acted immediately by issuing instructions to both the airlines and departmental officials,” Jha concluded.
