Purnia / Patna : Bihar is set to gain its fourth operational airport, with Purnia Airport expected to commence operations by July. The new facility will enhance connectivity for the state’s Seemanchal region and benefit neighbouring Jharkhand, West Bengal, and even parts of Nepal.
Currently, the state has three operational airports in Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga. The addition of Purnia Airport is expected to significantly improve air travel options for the region, reducing travel time for residents and boosting economic development.
Airport terminal to be built at Rs33 crore
Initially planned at a cost of Rs45 crore, the construction of Purnia Airport’s interim terminal building was finalised at Rs33 crore in February. Officials have set a completion timeline of three to four months, with commercial flight operations anticipated to begin between June and July 2025.
Plans for more airports across Bihar
Bihar’s aviation infrastructure is set to expand further, with an international airport under construction in Bihta, near Patna. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lay its foundation stone next month.
Additionally, Greenfield airports are planned for Rajgir (Nalanda), Raxaul (East Champaran), and Sultanganj (Bhagalpur). Smaller airports capable of handling 19-seater aircraft are also being considered for locations such as Birpur (Supaul), Madhubani, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Munger, and Valmikinagar (West Champaran).
Deputy CM’s assurance on Purnia Airport
During the state budget speech on March 3, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, assured the Assembly that flights would start from Purnia Airport within three months. However, work on the terminal building and other essential facilities remains ongoing.
