Patna: In a landmark boost to regional air travel, Purnea Airport is set to take off on September 15, with the inauguration of direct commercial flights by IndiGo and Star Air. The facility, revived under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, will connect the bustling Seemanchal region of Bihar to Kolkata in West Bengal and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, marking a new era for underserved areas long starved of aviation links.
The announcement comes just days before the big day, with bookings already open and excitement building among locals. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline, will pioneer operations at Purnea, operating thrice-weekly flights to Kolkata using its reliable ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. This addition makes Purnea the carrier’s 94th domestic destination, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
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“We are proud to further strengthen regional connectivity with the addition of Purnea to our network,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo. “An emerging centre for trade and industry, Purnea will now have direct flights to Kolkata. The introduction of air travel will strengthen the region’s infrastructure to support its agriculture and food processing sector.”
Flight schedules have been finalized for seamless connectivity. IndiGo’s 6E 7924 will depart Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 12:30 PM, touching down in Purnea after a brisk 1-hour-10-minute journey at 1:40 PM. The return leg, 6E 7925, lifts off from Purnea at 2:30 PM, arriving back in Kolkata by 3:40 PM. Services will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering affordable fares capped under UDAN guidelines to make flying accessible to the common citizen.
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Not to be outdone, Bengaluru-based regional carrier Star Air is gearing up for its inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Purnea on the same day. The airline, known for serving smaller routes with Embraer jets, will operate thrice-weekly services—on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays—starting regular schedules from September 29. The outbound flight departs Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 12:15 PM, landing in Purnea around 2:45 PM after a 2.5-hour flight. The return departs Purnea at 3:15 PM, reaching Ahmedabad by 5:45 PM.
An Airports Authority of India (AAI) official confirmed the operational readiness, stating, “The inauguration of the maiden flight will take place on September 15. After that, regular operations will commence, ensuring smooth passenger flow.” This route is expected to cater to business travelers, migrant workers, and tourists, linking Gujarat’s industrial powerhouse with Bihar’s agricultural heartland.
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Purnea Airport, located at the historic Chunapur airbase about 10 km from the town center, has a storied past. Built by the Indian Air Force shortly after the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 9,000-foot runway was a strategic asset during the era of heightened border tensions. Civilian services flickered to life in 1976 but were grounded in 1978 due to insufficient demand. A brief revival in 2012 saw flights to Patna and Kolkata, only to be discontinued after a year amid logistical hurdles.
The current resurgence is part of a broader push by the Bihar government to transform the state’s aviation landscape. In the March 2025 state budget, the Nitish Kumar administration earmarked ₹11,500 lakh (₹115 crore) for developing 15 new airports, a quantum leap from the existing trio at Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary had earlier announced that Purnea, a repurposed defense base, would commence commercial operations within three months of completing its makeshift terminal.
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This initiative aligns with the UDAN scheme’s goal of subsidizing regional routes to promote balanced growth. In June 2025, the Bihar Cabinet inked an MoU with the AAI to develop six small airports, including Muzaffarpur and Saharsa, with ₹150 crore allocated initially. The Union Budget 2025-26 further amplified these efforts by announcing greenfield airports in Bihar and expansions at Patna, alongside incentives like reduced VAT on aviation turbine fuel.
Yet, the journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Delays in Purnea’s construction were blamed on coordination issues between the Centre and state, including a reported “north-south” feud over project execution. The Centre pointed fingers at Bihar for slow progress, while local officials cited funding bottlenecks. Despite these, the makeshift terminal is now ready, paving the way for immediate operations.
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The economic ripple effects are anticipated to be profound. Purnea district, home to over 3 million people, is a hub for jute, maize, and makhana production, with burgeoning food processing industries. Direct flights will slash travel times—previously, residents endured grueling 8-10 hour road trips to Patna or Kolkata airports—facilitating quicker access to markets, medical facilities, and educational opportunities. “This will unlock Purnea’s potential as a trade gateway,” noted a local chamber of commerce representative.
For migrants from Bihar working in Gujarat’s textile and diamond sectors, the Ahmedabad link promises easier family reunions and remittances. Tourism could also get a lift, with easier access to Bihar’s cultural sites and West Bengal’s eastern hotspots. Under UDAN, fares for these short-haul routes are subsidized to around ₹2,500, democratizing air travel.
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Looking ahead, sustained success hinges on robust passenger uptake and infrastructure upgrades. Bihar aims to operationalize all 15 airports in the coming years, integrating them into a national network that could rival southern states’ connectivity. As Purnea’s runways hum with activity from September 15, it symbolizes Bihar’s ascent from aviation backwaters to skies of opportunity, fostering inclusive development across the nation.
