Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up preparations to make Raxaul Airport operational by initiating the legal process to remove buildings and trees that obstruct safe aircraft operations.
Located near the India–Nepal border in East Champaran district, the airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and improve air travel in the border region once operational.
DGCA and AAI asked to begin legal process
The state government has requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to initiate legal proceedings for removing identified obstructions.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary has written to both agencies, seeking action under the Aircraft Act, 2024 and the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025.
The Directorate of Aviation has also received the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey prepared by the Airports Authority of India for the airport.
District administration to verify obstructions
The Bihar government has directed the East Champaran District Magistrate to conduct a physical verification of all identified buildings and trees and collect ownership details.
Under the prescribed procedure:
The airport operator will issue notices to property owners and concerned agencies.
The DGCA will provide 60 days for owners to respond or remove the identified obstructions.
If the obstructions remain after the deadline, demolition of buildings or trimming of trees will be ordered.
In case of non-compliance, the district administration will remove the obstructions and initiate legal action.
Compensation for eligible property owners
The government has clarified that owners of legally constructed buildings removed for aviation safety will receive compensation as per the applicable rules.
Officials said the clearance of obstacles is essential to ensure safe take-off and landing of aircraft at Raxaul Airport.
Boost for regional connectivity
Once operational, Raxaul Airport is expected to strengthen connectivity under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) and improve access to the India–Nepal border region.
With the obstruction removal process now moving in a time-bound manner, expectations have grown that commercial flight operations from Raxaul could begin in the near future.
