Patna: Patna Airport is set to offer enhanced passenger convenience in the first month of the New Year, with three new aerobridges scheduled to become operational soon. Two of the aerobridges have been fully constructed, and the airport administration has sought approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for their installation. The third aerobridge is nearing completion, and permission for its commissioning will be requested shortly.
Once all three aerobridges are operational, Patna Airport will become the third airport in eastern India to have five aerobridges, after Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, which currently operate five aerobridges each. Airport officials said the expansion will significantly ease passenger movement between the terminal and aircraft.
Aviation experts point out that aerobridges are an essential requirement under international civil aviation standards. A former Patna Airport Director said aerobridges save time and protect passengers from weather-related discomfort. “Without aerobridges, passengers have to board buses after security checks, travel to the aircraft, and then climb ladders to enter. This process takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Aerobridges allow passengers to board directly, avoiding exposure to heat, rain and delays,” he said.
At present, Patna Airport operates two aerobridges. The first became operational in June last year at departure Gate No. 9 during the inauguration of the new terminal building. The second aerobridge was commissioned on November 15 at Gate No. 10.
The upcoming aerobridges will be connected to departure Gate Nos. 11, 12 and 12-A. Airport authorities said all necessary preparations are in place, and the new facilities are expected to become operational later this month, subject to DGCA clearance.
The expansion is expected to reduce congestion, improve turnaround time for flights, and bring Patna Airport closer to international airport service standards.
