Patna: Purnia has officially been marked on the international aviation map, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigning the code PXN to its new airport. The development comes as officials intensify preparations for the inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15.
Following a high-level review at the newly built terminal building on Friday, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) created an official X handle for Purnia airport, which quickly gained hundreds of followers eager for updates on flight operations. Ticket bookings are expected to begin on September 2, with initial services to Delhi and Kolkata. Airlines have also expressed interest in operating flights to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai, officials said.
Talks with carriers have been completed and an agreement with the operating company is expected in the first week of September. Alongside this, sites at the airport will be formally handed over for operations. Officials claim the terminal building will be ready by September 5, with all remaining work to be completed by September 10.
In an unusual step to fast-track coordination, a WhatsApp group has been set up linking senior AAI officers and state officials from Purnia to Patna and Delhi. Progress is reviewed every evening to avoid delays, according to sources. High-level teams from Patna have already conducted three reviews at the site, with another inspection scheduled before the inauguration.
