Patna: Bihar, long overshadowed by infrastructure deficits, is on the cusp of an aviation transformation that could redefine its economic landscape. With the state government announcing plans to expand from just three operational airports to 15 by 2028, including major upgrades and new greenfield projects, Bihar is leveraging central schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik) to enhance connectivity.
This push, fueled by rising passenger traffic and interest from new airlines, promises to boost tourism, trade, and industrial growth in one of India’s most populous states. However, challenges like land acquisition delays and funding dependencies loom large, testing the sustainability of this ambitious overhaul.
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The momentum builds on the Union Budget 2025-26, which allocated significant funds for Bihar’s aviation infrastructure, including greenfield airports and capacity expansions. As air passenger numbers surge—Bihar witnessed a 17-fold increase in recent years amid national growth of 7.6% in FY2025—the sector’s evolution could position the state as a key hub in eastern India.
Key projects driving the upgrade
At the heart of Bihar’s aviation ambitions is the Bihta Airport, a major civilian facility near Patna designed to alleviate congestion at the state’s primary gateway. Construction of the first phase, including a passenger terminal spanning 68,000 sqm, began in mid-July 2025 at a cost exceeding ₹1,453 crore. Expected to handle 50 lakh passengers annually by December 2027, Bihta will feature an 8,000-foot runway and modern amenities, enabling international operations. This brownfield project, developed on an existing Air Force base, underscores the state’s strategy to repurpose military assets for civilian use, with full operations projected to ease pressure on Patna by 2028.
Also Read: Union Cabinet approves civilian airport plans at Bihta, Bagdogra
Further east, Purnea Airport is set to become operational in the coming weeks, marking a milestone for the Seemanchal region. With a 2,800-meter runway completed and preparations for inauguration in full swing, flights could commence by late August or early September 2025. The airport, developed under UDAN, will connect Purnea to major cities, benefiting over four districts and potentially extending to neighboring states like West Bengal and Jharkhand. Ticket bookings are slated to open by August 26, signaling imminent commercial activity.
In the south, Gaya International Airport—a vital link for Buddhist pilgrims—is undergoing upgrades to handle larger aircraft and all-weather operations. The state recently approved acquiring 18 acres for expansion, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) commissioned a Category-I Instrument Landing System (ILS) in May 2025. Efforts include apron and parking expansions to accommodate more flights, with Air India announcing daily services starting September 1, 2025. These enhancements aim to capitalize on Gaya’s spiritual tourism, though a quirky debate over its IATA code ‘GAY’—deemed culturally sensitive by some—has drawn national attention, with the Centre ruling against changes.
Also Read: Purnea airport to be operational for civilian flights in next 4-5 months
North Bihar’s Darbhanga Airport is also expanding rapidly, with the government targeting international status. Land acquisition for 90 acres to extend the runway is underway, expected to conclude by August 2025 at ₹245 crore. A new terminal, costing ₹912 crore, is under construction to support wider operations, potentially linking to Nepal and boosting cross-border trade.
Beyond these, the state has greenlit airports in smaller towns like Valmiki Nagar (Bettiah), Muzaffarpur, Birpur (Supaul), Madhubani, Munger and Saharsa, with six slated for functionality within three years under UDAN. These projects, part of a ₹2,400 crore national allocation for civil aviation in FY2026, include heliports in Jehanabad, Samastipur, and Nalanda.
Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport has already seen a major facelift, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a ₹1,216 crore terminal on May 29 this year, quadrupling capacity to 1 crore passengers annually. Additional land acquisition is ongoing, though runway extension faces hurdles from nearby landmarks like the Patna Zoo and railway station.
New airlines and surging passenger traffic
Adding to the infrastructure boom, new regional carrier Spirit Air has expressed eagerness to operate from Bihar’s emerging airports. Under UDAN, it unveiled plans in August 2025 to connect Birpur, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, and others to Varanasi, Bangalore, Kathmandu, and Janakpur using STOL aircraft like the Islander BN2T-4S. This could introduce international routes in phases, injecting ₹150 crore into local infrastructure.
Passenger traffic is mirroring this optimism. Domestic numbers in Bihar have skyrocketed, contributing to India’s 3% YoY growth in May 2025 and projected 7-10% rise in FY2026. Patna alone handled over 27,000 flights in recent data, underscoring the demand.
Opportunities and hurdles
This aviation surge could catalyze Bihar’s economy, valued at ₹10.97 lakh crore GSDP in 2025-26 projections. Enhanced connectivity will invigorate tourism—especially the Buddhist circuit via Gaya—and agriculture exports like makhana, while fostering industrial hubs. Proximity to Nepal opens trade avenues, potentially adding jobs in logistics and hospitality.
Yet, challenges persist. Land acquisition delays, as seen in Darbhanga and Patna, could inflate costs and timelines. Bihar’s heavy reliance on central funds (over 80% of revenue) raises sustainability concerns, especially amid national supply chain issues plaguing aviation. Operational hurdles, like all-weather capabilities, must be addressed to avoid disruptions.
Looking ahead, Bihar’s aviation sector aligns with India’s projected 7% passenger growth in 2025, outpacing global averages. If executed well, this could bridge the state’s infrastructure gap, but success hinges on seamless state-centre collaboration and private investments. As Purnea takes off imminently, Bihar’s skies are brighter than ever—provided the ground realities keep pace.
