Darbhanga: Night-time flights could soon become a reality at Darbhanga Airport, as authorities push forward with critical upgrades to improve infrastructure and flight safety. The long-delayed removal of overhead electric wires and poles—previously obstructing the installation of an advanced landing system—has finally been completed, paving the way for the airport to accommodate aircraft after dark.
The clearance of these obstructions follows a recent inspection by a survey team from the Indian Air Force, which had raised concerns over stalled progress. The team reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the incomplete boundary wall and the presence of electric lines dangerously close to the runway. In response, the district administration and electricity department acted swiftly to dismantle the poles, resolving a two-year-long delay.
With the obstructions now gone, the installation of a Category I Instrument Landing System (CAT-I ILS) is in its final phase. According to airport sources, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has entrusted the project to Tata, and the system is expected to be fully operational within the coming month. Should the remaining infrastructure, including the boundary wall and approach lighting, be completed on schedule, night landing operations could commence as early as June or by August at the latest.
The addition of CAT-I ILS will allow aircraft to land safely in poor visibility conditions—a significant improvement for the region. North Bihar is notoriously affected by dense fog during the winter months, often disrupting flight schedules. The new system is designed to guide aircraft safely to the runway even in low-visibility scenarios, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational capacity.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha welcomed the developments, noting that the transfer of land to AAI had accelerated the process. “Low visibility in North Bihar has long been a challenge,” he said. “With the installation of the Instrument Landing System, aircraft operations will no longer be hampered during winter. This ensures year-round connectivity and safety for travellers.”
Further expansion of Darbhanga Airport is also on the horizon. Authorities have signalled plans to extend the runway, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft—an essential move as demand for flights in the region continues to grow.
