Patna: International air connectivity from Bihar is set for a major boost, with flights from Patna and Gaya to Kathmandu expected to begin shortly, alongside new routes from Gaya to destinations including Sharjah, Bangkok, Singapore and Colombo.
The decision followed a meeting in Delhi between senior state government officials and representatives of five airlines — Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air and SpiceJet. Airlines expressed support for the plan, suggesting smaller 72-seat aircraft for flights to Kathmandu and larger 180-seat services for other international routes.
According to officials, the airline operator will be finalised through an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Notice Inviting Tender (NIT), under the state’s new international air services policy. “The airlines praised the government’s initiative, and we are hopeful of beginning services by November,” said an official present at the meeting.
Sharjah and Fujairah in the UAE have been proposed as potential Gulf destinations. Similar to the model at Purnia Airport, government bus services will also be launched from Gaya to nearby districts to improve last-mile connectivity for international passengers.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary and Aviation Directorate head Nilesh Ramchandra Devre, who confirmed that once tenders are invited and approved, services will be operational within weeks. However, if the process is delayed beyond the enforcement of the election code of conduct in October, services will be pushed to next year.
The move is seen as a significant step towards positioning Bihar as an international travel hub and easing access for pilgrims, tourists and business travellers across South Asia and the Gulf.
