Patna: A meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport has underlined the urgent need to expand runway capacity, as passenger numbers and flight operations continue to rise.
The meeting was chaired by Ravi Shankar Prasad and attended by local legislators, senior district officials, representatives from airlines, the Central Industrial Security Force, and officials from the Airports Authority of India, along with stakeholders from trade, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Rising demand puts pressure on infrastructure
Discussions focused on improving passenger facilities, strengthening runway safety, enhancing transport connectivity, and addressing infrastructure challenges in areas surrounding the airport.
Prasad said the meeting had been “fruitful” and pointed to increasing pressure on airport infrastructure, noting that around 44 flights operate daily and nearly 40 lakh passengers use the airport annually.
He said a dedicated committee has been constituted to examine the feasibility of runway expansion, including assessing land availability on both the eastern and western sides of the airport. The committee is expected to submit its report at the earliest.
Centre and state signal support
Prasad said both the central and state governments are working in coordination on the proposed expansion. He added that discussions had been held with Samrat Chaudhary, who assured support from the Bihar government for the project.
The state government is also considering incentives to promote international flight operations from Patna, with potential routes including Kathmandu, Bangkok and Dubai.
Focus on passenger experience
The meeting also reviewed initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience, including the promotion of local products through airport retail outlets and the introduction of the UDAN Yatri Café.
Prasad emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to ensure timely infrastructure development, improved safety standards and enhanced services.
The meeting concluded with officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening airport operations and supporting future expansion plans in line with growing demand.
