A new dawn for Bihar skies: PM Modi puts Bihar on world's aviation map

In Bihar, a state with a rich cultural heritage and rising economic aspirations, the aviation sector is undergoing a transformative shift with national and global reach. Today, Bihar’s skies tell a different story-one of new terminals, fresh routes, and growing wings. The wings to Bihar aviation sector are given by PM Narendra Modi. Since taking charge as PM in 2014, the development of Bihar and improving its air connectivity has always been the top priority. On September 15th, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Purnia airport interim terminal building. Speaking on the occasion, PM said the Purnia airport terminal was built in less than 5 months and development of Seemanchal and Purnea which is his priority is necessary for Viksit Bihar and is must for Viksit Bharat

Purnea took a major step forward in air connectivity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building at the New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport. The new facility significantly enhances passenger handling capacity, positioning the airport to better serve the growing demand for air travel in the region. This has not only strengthened Bihar’s aviation infrastructure but also promises to boost economic activity, tourism, and accessibility in one of the state’s key districts.

Patna Airport: A Landmark in Bihar’s Aviation Story

It was a dream come true for the air travellers in Patna. A gleaming new terminal now stands at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna was inaugurated by PM Modi, marking a proud milestone in Bihar’s aviation journey. With spacious lounges, efficient check-in systems, and facilities built for comfort, designed with modern architecture and advanced passenger amenities, the new terminal can handle up to 10 million passengers annually, a scale that matches Bihar’s rising aspirations.

From 2014 to 2024, Patna Airport emerged as a key node in Bihar’s aviation network, handling nearly 3 crore passengers, moving around 83,000 tonnes of freight, and recording 24,026 average aircraft movements annually. These milestones reflect not just growth in numbers, but the broader revolution of Bihar’s air infrastructure into a modern, inclusive system. The airport has transformed into a true gateway for travellers from across the state.

Bihta Airport: Building the Future

Adding to the aviation momentum in Bihar is the development of Bihta Airport. A project with an investment of Rs 1,413 crore, the foundation stone for the new Civil Enclave at Bihta Air Force Station has been laid which will serve as a major hub in the west of Patna. Designed to handle 50 lakh passengers, its modern facilities will complement Patna’s international airport, further strengthening the region’s connectivity.

The Bihta terminal blends modern aviation architecture with echoes of Bihar’s golden past, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Mauryan and Gupta dynasties, as well as the scholarly legacies of Nalanda and Vikramshila. Bihta’s promise lies not only in infrastructure, but in vision. It is poised to be a launchpad for Bihar’s next phase of aviation growth, enabling smoother travel, supporting trade, and attracting new opportunities for the state’s economy.

Darbhanga Airport: North Bihar’s Sky Bridge

Since becoming operational under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme in 2020, Darbhanga Airport has quickly become a vital link for Bihar. With direct flights to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, it has opened doors to opportunities and destinations nationwide.

In FY 2023-24 alone, more than 5 lakh passengers chose Darbhanga as their launchpad, each flight a signal that connectivity has come home. Darbhanga’s growing flight network symbolizes inclusion. It brings the people of North Bihar closer to India’s urban centres, while also carrying their culture, talent, and enterprise beyond the state’s borders.

Gaya Airport: A Buddhist Gateway

Few airports carry the weight of both history and modern travel the way Gaya does. Each year, it greets students and professionals, while also opening its gates to thousands of pilgrims, monks, and seekers tracing the footsteps of the Buddha at Bodh Gaya. Spread across 954 acres and built with precision, it is capable of handling 250 arrivals and 250 departures. Gaya Airport is steadily growing, as a cultural bridge linking Bihar to the world’s Buddhist heartlands. It connects Bihar’s timeless heritage to a global audience while anchoring the state firmly on India’s aviation map.

Bihar’s skies have never looked brighter. What was once a region dependent on trains and highways is now steadily transforming into an aviation hub. These airports are more than terminals; they are symbols of aspiration. Each journey carries the curiosity of learners, the drive of business, the faith of seekers, and the warmth of homecoming. Together, they mark a new chapter where Bihar is not just connected to India, but connected to the world, taking flight into a future of growth, inclusion, and opportunity.

From modernized terminals to new airports, all signal that Bihar is not just catching up, it’s taking off.