Patna: Air travel is set to become significantly more accessible across Bihar as the state government and the Centre push ahead with plans to develop five regional airports under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
The airports, being developed in Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Munger, Valmikinagar and Birpur (Supaul), are expected to improve connectivity between smaller towns and major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Officials say the projects are targeted for completion within the next five years.
The initiative forms part of Bihar’s broader aviation expansion plan, which aims to increase domestic flight operations tenfold by 2030. According to the state’s newly constituted Aviation Department, the number of daily aircraft take-offs and landings is expected to rise from around 150 at present to nearly 1,500 over the next five years.
Regional Connectivity Push
The airports are being developed under the Centre’s regional connectivity programme, which seeks to connect underserved and unserved areas with affordable air services. Bihar has partnered with regional carrier Spirit Air to facilitate operations from the upcoming airports.
Once operational, residents from remote districts will be able to reach major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai within a few hours, significantly reducing travel time and improving access to business, education and healthcare opportunities.
Muzaffarpur’s Patahi Airport to Receive ₹72 Crore Upgrade
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated a two-phase development plan for Patahi Airport in Muzaffarpur.
The first phase involves an investment of approximately ₹28.58 crore for planning and construction of a new terminal building and administrative facilities. The second phase, involving ₹43.13 crore, focuses on runway and airside infrastructure development.
The total project cost is estimated at nearly ₹72 crore. The upgraded airport is expected to benefit not only Muzaffarpur but also neighbouring districts including Sitamarhi, Sheohar, East Champaran, Vaishali and Samastipur.
Construction agencies have been given an 11-month deadline to complete the work.
Saharsa Airport Project Gains Momentum
AAI issued a tender on April 21, 2026, for civil construction works at Saharsa Airport. The first phase of the project is estimated to cost ₹35.14 crore.
The bidding process is scheduled to conclude on June 8, while technical bids will be opened on June 16. The selected contractor will have approximately 15 months to complete the required infrastructure.
The airport is expected to serve nearly two million residents of the Kosi and Seemanchal regions, particularly in Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul districts. It is also expected to play a critical role during flood relief and disaster management operations.
Munger Airport to Get Night Landing Facility
Safiabad Airport in Munger is being upgraded to support night-time aircraft operations. The development is part of the state’s plan to introduce 19-seater regional aircraft services under the UDAN scheme.
The existing runway, measuring 758 metres in length and 25 metres in width, is proposed to be expanded to at least 1,200 metres in length and 70 metres in width.
During a visit to Munger on May 5, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials to develop the airport into a modern aviation facility with night-landing capability.
The district administration has proposed acquisition of an additional 20 acres of land for the expansion, requiring an estimated investment of ₹300 crore.
Valmikinagar Airport to Boost Tourism and Strategic Connectivity
In West Champaran district, Valmikinagar Airport is being developed with a tiger-themed terminal inspired by the nearby Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
AAI has allocated ₹38.64 crore for the airport’s development and modernization. Work includes construction of a 1,250-square-metre pre-fabricated steel terminal building along with upgraded security infrastructure.
Located near the India-Nepal border, the airport is also being designed to support emergency operations, including the potential landing of fighter aircraft during strategic situations.
The project is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region by improving access to the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
Birpur Airport to Strengthen Border and Disaster Management Infrastructure
A regional airport is also being developed at Birpur in Supaul district, close to the Nepal border.
AAI has earmarked ₹36.38 crore for the project, which includes construction of a modern terminal building, air traffic control tower and fire station. The airport is being developed on 88 acres of land.
Officials believe the facility will enhance connectivity while also strengthening disaster response capabilities and cross-border strategic infrastructure.
Affordable Air Travel Under UDAN
Launched in October 2016, the UDAN scheme aims to make air travel affordable and accessible by connecting smaller towns with the national aviation network.
Under the scheme, the airfare for a one-hour flight covering approximately 500 kilometres is capped at around ₹2,500 on selected routes. Airlines operating on these routes receive Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the central and state governments to offset operational losses.
In return, carriers are required to offer at least 50 percent of seats at subsidized fares.
Small Aircraft to Operate from Regional Airports
Given the limited runway lengths at many regional airports, operations will initially be carried out using smaller turboprop aircraft capable of short take-off and landing.
Aircraft such as the Islander BN2T-4S-STOL, King Air 250 and the HAL-built Dornier 228 are expected to be deployed. These aircraft can accommodate between 6 and 19 passengers and are designed for operations from smaller airstrips.
Vision for an Aviation Hub
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary recently chaired a meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to discuss expansion of aviation infrastructure in Bihar.
He stated that the government’s goal is to increase air connectivity across the state by ten times over the next five years and develop Bihar into a regional aviation hub for eastern India.
Officials have been directed to accelerate modernization of airports, strengthen aviation safety infrastructure and ensure that air connectivity reaches all parts of the state.
With multiple airport projects underway, Bihar’s aviation landscape is poised for a significant transformation, promising faster travel, improved regional connectivity and new economic opportunities for millions of residents.
