Patna: The Jay Prakash Narayan International (JPNI) Airport in Patna, Bihar, has long been flagged as one of India’s most hazardous airports for aircraft operations, particularly landings, due to its short runway, proximity to obstacles, and frequent bird strikes.
The recent catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed over 240 people, has heightened public and governmental scrutiny of airport safety across India. Prompted by this tragedy, authorities in Patna have initiated urgent discussions to address the longstanding safety concerns at JPNI Airport, particularly focusing on runway expansion.
Also Read: London-bound Air India plane crashes in Ahmedabad, 290 dead
On Saturday (June 14), Patna district magistrate (DM) Thiyagrajan SM visited Patna airport and held a meeting with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to discuss these critical issues.
Safety Challenges at JPNI Airport
JPNI Airport, located in the heart of Patna, is a critical aviation hub serving Bihar’s capital and surrounding regions. However, its infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the increasing volume of air traffic and the operational demands of modern aircraft. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29 inaugurated a modern-looking terminal building, costing around ₹1,200-crore, but other many factors contribute to its reputation as a high-risk airport.
Short Runway Length
The runway at JPNI Airport is approximately 2,072 meters long, significantly shorter than the 2,300 meters required for safe operations of aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, which are commonly used by domestic carriers.
Also Read: PM Modi inaugurates new terminal building of Patna airport
Posts on X consistently highlight the runway’s inadequacy, with users noting that no international airlines operate at JPNI due to this limitation. The short runway restricts the margin for error during takeoff and landing, particularly in adverse conditions, and limits the airport’s ability to handle larger aircraft.
Proximity to Obstacles
The airport is surrounded by urban infrastructure, including a zoo, a clock tower, and a botanical garden, which pose significant obstacles for aircraft during approach and departure. The proximity of an Indian Railway line further complicates runway extension efforts, as it limits the available space for infrastructure upgrades.
Also Read: Air India flight braves heavy storm at Patna airport, lands safely
Frequent Bird Strikes
Patna’s location near wetlands and urban garbage dumps attracts large flocks of birds, increasing the risk of bird strikes. Bird ingestion into aircraft engines can lead to engine failure, a rare but catastrophic event.
Experts have noted that bird strikes have been a persistent issue at JPNI Airport, with several near-miss incidents reported in the past. While not directly cited in recent sources, the Ahmedabad crash initially raised speculation about bird strikes, underscoring the relevance of this issue.
Urban Congestion
The airport’s location in a densely populated area exacerbates safety risks. A crash near the airport could result in significant ground casualties, similar to the Ahmedabad incident, where the Air India plane struck a residential area. The lack of a sufficient buffer zone around the airport increases the potential for disaster in the event of an accident.
Also Read: Tech snag forces Indigo flight to make emergency landing at Patna
Historical Incidents
JPNI Airport has a troubling history of accidents. In July 2000, an Alliance Air Boeing 737 (Flight 7412) crashed into a residential area near the airport during landing, killing 60 people, including five on the ground. The crash was attributed to pilot error and the challenging approach to the runway.
Multiple near-miss incidents involving bird strikes and runway excursions have been reported, though specific details are scarce in recent sources. Public sentiment on X describes these as “miraculous escapes,” reflecting widespread concern about the airport’s safety.
The Ahmedabad Crash: A Catalyst for Action
The crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has served as a stark reminder of the consequences of unaddressed aviation safety issues. The flight, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and several on the ground. The aircraft issued a MAYDAY call moments after takeoff, suggesting a rapid onset of critical issues, possibly related to engine thrust, wing flaps, or landing gear failure. While initial speculation included bird strikes, investigators have downplayed this theory, focusing instead on mechanical and maintenance issues.
Also Read: Air India Crash: Investigators Find Black Box as Probe Deepens
The Ahmedabad tragedy has amplified calls for safety improvements at high-risk airports like JPNI. Posts on X explicitly link the Ahmedabad crash to concerns about Patna, with users urging authorities to act before a similar disaster occurs. The public outcry, combined with the scale of the Ahmedabad crash, has prompted Patna’s authorities to prioritize runway expansion and other safety measures.
Recent Developments: Runway Expansion Talks
The Patna District Magistrate convened a meeting with officials from the AAI to discuss the expansion of JPNI Airport’s runway. This meeting marks a significant step toward addressing the airport’s long standing safety concerns. The AAI has repeatedly flagged JPNI Airport as a security risk due to its short runway and has been sending monthly reminders to the Bihar government to initiate expansion. Runway expansion is critical to accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety margins for landings and takeoffs.
Proposed Expansion
Officials said that the district administration is exploring options to acquire land on both ends of the runway to extend it to at least 2,300 meters, so as to enable safer operations for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, potentially attracting international carriers. The expansion would also involve upgrading air traffic control systems, improving runway lighting, and implementing bird control measures to reduce strike risks. Some areas of Patna Zoo and plots owned by the Indian Railways and individuals would be acquired for expansion of the runway
Other High-Risk Airports in India
JPNI Airport is not alone in facing safety challenges. Other Indian airports, such as Mangaluru and Kozhikode, have been labeled high-risk due to their tabletop runways and challenging approaches. The 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangaluru, which killed 158 people, and the 2020 Air India Express crash in Kozhikode, which killed 21, highlight the need for systemic improvements in airport infrastructure.
Also Read: K’nataka govt mulls another airport in Bengaluru, KIA poses issues
Unlike Mangaluru, which has a tabletop runway surrounded by steep drops, JPNI’s primary issues stem from its short runway and urban congestion. However, the common thread across these airports is the need for proactive safety measures, including runway extensions, improved bird control, and enhanced pilot training for high-risk approaches. The Ahmedabad crash has underscored the urgency of addressing these issues nationwide.
Bird Strike Mitigation
Bird strikes remain a significant risk at airports like JPNI and Ahmedabad. Effective mitigation strategies include habitat management, use of bird-scaring devices, and radar-based detection systems. The Ahmedabad investigation’s initial consideration of bird strikes highlights the need for standardized protocols to address this issue.
Regulatory Oversight
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) play critical roles in ensuring safety compliance. The Ahmedabad crash has prompted calls for stricter maintenance checks and fleet inspections, which could extend to operations at JPNI. Besides, the DGCA also emphasizes enhanced training for pilots on handling emergencies, such as dual engine failures.
