Patna: A new chapter in air travel for Bihar’s capital is set to begin tomorrow, June 3, 2025, as the state-of-the-art new terminal building at Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport opens its doors to passengers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had officially inaugurated the impressive facility on May 29, paving the way for this significant upgrade in passenger experience.
The airport administration has issued a directive to all aviation companies, instructing them to prepare for the transition. This has led to a flurry of activity, with ticket counters, airline offices, and other essential services being swiftly relocated to the modern structure.
Designed for Seamless Travel
The new terminal has been meticulously designed with passenger convenience at its core. The lower floor is dedicated entirely to arrivals, ensuring a smooth exit for incoming travelers. Conversely, the first floor is designated for departures, streamlining the check-in and security processes.
A notable enhancement for Patna Airport is the introduction of an elevated entry route. This innovative feature allows passengers to access the first-floor departure area directly, bypassing ground-level congestion. Furthermore, a direct pathway has been created from the multi-storey parking facility, which boasts a significantly expanded capacity, now accommodating 1100 vehicles compared to the previous 200.
Enhanced Efficiency and Passenger Comfort
Inside the sprawling new terminal, efficiency and comfort have been prioritized. The number of X-ray machines for security checks has been drastically increased from 5 to 16, promising much faster processing times. Similarly, check-in counters have more than doubled, from 22 to 64, a change expected to substantially alleviate long queues and reduce passenger wait times.
Further augmenting the operational capacity, the complex now features nine ATRS (Automatic Tray Return System) units, five aerobridges, and four luggage belts. The apron area has also been optimized to accommodate 11 aircraft simultaneously, a considerable improvement for managing air traffic.
Future Expansions on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the old terminal building is slated for demolition in the near future. The vacated space will be redeveloped into an expanded aircraft parking facility. This strategic move will not only increase the area adjacent to the runway but also provide a long-term solution to existing parking constraints, further solidifying Patna Airport’s capacity to serve the growing demands of air travel in the region.
