Patna: International travel from Bihar could become more convenient as customs and immigration facilities are being established at Patna Airport, with the services expected to become operational by December 2026 or January 2027.
The move is aimed at reducing the need for passengers travelling abroad to complete customs and immigration formalities at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
Customs And Immigration Counters Planned
The tender process for setting up the two facilities at Patna Airport has been completed. Customs and immigration counters will be established at Gate Nos 12 and 12-A in the departure area.
According to Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, secretary of the Civil Aviation Department, the target is to make both facilities operational by December 2026 or January 2027.
Baggage Booking To Be Available In Patna
Under the proposed system, passengers will also be able to book their baggage at Patna Airport before travelling onwards to an international destination.
The arrangement is intended to allow luggage to be transferred to the passenger’s final international destination, reducing the need to collect and re-check baggage at an intermediate airport, subject to the applicable airline and airport arrangements.
Why Passengers Currently Use Major Transit Airports
Passengers travelling internationally from Patna often use connecting flights through major airports because international customs and immigration facilities are not currently available at the airport.
They may therefore have to complete additional formalities at airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Kolkata before continuing their international journey.
The proposed facilities in Patna are intended to reduce this additional process.
Gulf Countries Among Major Destinations
Around 800 passengers are estimated to travel abroad from Patna Airport each day, according to the information provided.
About 65% to 70% of these passengers are estimated to travel to Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, largely for employment and work. Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai are among the major transit points used by these travellers.
Another 15% to 20% are estimated to travel to countries including the US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia for education and employment. Many of these passengers currently travel through Delhi.
The remaining 10% to 15% are estimated to travel to destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Dubai, as well as for the Umrah pilgrimage.
Hub-And-Spoke Model
The facilities are being developed around a hub-and-spoke model, in which passengers from regional airports are connected to larger aviation hubs.
Under the model, major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata function as hubs, while regional airports such as Patna, Gaya and Ranchi serve as connecting points.
The proposed system is intended to streamline international journeys originating from regional airports.
Expected Benefits For Bihar Travellers
The introduction of customs and immigration facilities at Patna is expected to save passengers time and reduce the number of formalities they currently complete at connecting airports.
Travellers heading to Gulf countries for work are expected to benefit significantly, given the large number of passengers travelling to the region from Bihar.
If the planned timeline is met, the facilities could become operational by December 2026 or January 2027, giving international passengers from Bihar a more streamlined departure process from Patna.
