Author: Neehar Founder | Author | Catalyst Learn about Patna’s second airport at Bihta IAF base, a major infrastructure project set to transform Bihar’s air connectivity. The new
Founder | Author | Catalyst
Patna’s expanding needs have finally driven the approval for a second airport at the Bihta IAF base, promising to transform travel for millions in Bihar. This project will alleviate the load on the overburdened Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, which is hamstrung by limited expansion capabilities. With this new development, Patna can soon cater to the increasing passenger traffic, positioning Bihar for enhanced regional connectivity, economic growth, and future aviation expansion.
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for a civil enclave at Bihta. This airport will come with a modern terminal, capable of handling 5 million passengers annually in its initial phase. The facility will be built on a sprawling 66,000 square meters with infrastructure investments totaling ₹1,413 crore. As the region grows, the Bihta Airport in Patna will be expanded further to double its capacity to accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually.
Patna Airport has long faced issues with congestion and limited space. Despite efforts by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to manage traffic, the airport’s single runway restricts its operations. Often, airlines are mandated to fly single-aisle aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 to ensure safe take-offs and landings. However, this limitation has increasingly strained Patna’s air traffic. Bihta Airport Patna, which will have a civilian enclave, is an essential upgrade to meet growing demands, reduce congestion, and ensure the safety of larger aircraft in the future.
Bihta Airport is not just an airport; it’s a milestone in Patna’s infrastructure development. It will significantly improve Bihar’s connectivity, driving tourism, business travel, and regional trade. Similar to other airports that have successfully integrated civilian terminals at defense bases—such as Goa Dabolim and Ghaziabad Hindon—Bihta Airport will bring Bihar a high-capacity facility without compromising defense operations.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been instrumental in advocating for a second airport in Patna, recognizing its potential to fuel regional growth. Since the Indian Air Force gave its consent in 2016 for the Bihta base to host commercial flights, the Airports Authority of India has worked to design an infrastructure that aligns with both defense and civilian needs. The Union government’s approval ensures that this project will be developed rapidly, with a projected completion timeline aligned to meet increasing passenger demand.
The Bihta Airport Patna project represents a long-standing commitment to Bihar’s development. It will not only serve the residents of Patna but will also connect the broader Bihar region, placing it on the map as a central hub for air travel. For the thousands who travel in and out of Bihar daily, this project will mark a new era of convenience and opportunity, symbolizing Patna’s readiness for growth and its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.
The upcoming Bihta Airport marks a transformative step for Bihar’s aviation infrastructure. With enhanced capacity and facilities designed to meet modern demands, Patna’s second airport will unlock new growth opportunities for the state. This landmark project is not just about managing air traffic; it’s about building a gateway that connects Bihar to the future.
