Purnia Airport Opens With Delhi Kolkata Flights Boosting Bihar Growth
Purnia: Bihar’s Seemanchal region is poised for a historic shift as Purnia Airport gears up to begin commercial flight operations this month, linking the district directly with Delhi and Kolkata. The new gateway, built under the government’s UDAN scheme, promises not only to transform travel but also to reshape the economic and social fabric of Northeast Bihar.
Situated just 10 kilometres from Purnia town, the airport has been designed to accommodate up to 300 passengers during peak hours. Equipped with a modern interim terminal spread across 3,000 square metres, the facility integrates local cultural elements such as the famed Manjusha art into its design. The INR 34 crore investment is aimed at providing accessible air travel to residents who have long relied on road and rail for journeys to metropolitan centres.
The airside infrastructure borrows strength from the Indian Air Force’s existing 2,743-metre runway, enabling the airport to handle both smaller and larger aircraft. Experts highlight that this capacity ensures flexibility for passenger and cargo services, creating long-term opportunities for trade expansion and regional integration. Additionally, a newly built four-lane approach road, worth INR 14 crore, is expected to ease passenger access, reducing travel bottlenecks that have plagued the region.IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, will operate the initial commercial routes to Delhi and Kolkata. Officials confirm that ticket pricing will be kept affordable, in line with the UDAN mandate of democratising air travel. Analysts believe these connections will cut travel times by more than half, opening new prospects for students, migrant workers, and small business owners who previously endured overnight train journeys.
The economic implications are significant. Industry observers anticipate a rise in private investment in Purnia’s agro-based industries, retail markets, and healthcare sectors. With faster connectivity, the region is also expected to see an uptick in tourism, with travellers gaining easier access to the cultural heritage and landscapes of Seemanchal. For local artisans and small entrepreneurs, the new airport could mean an expanded market reach and greater visibility.Security and sustainability have been integral to the project’s planning. A 1,700-metre boundary wall with additional safeguards is nearing completion, ensuring the airport adheres to national security protocols. At the same time, officials stress that efforts are underway to align operations with eco-friendly standards, from efficient energy use in the terminal to a long-term plan for integrating renewable energy sources.
While the immediate focus remains on domestic routes, aviation experts suggest that Purnia could emerge as a hub for future regional flights, eventually strengthening links with neighbouring states and international destinations. For now, the launch represents an inclusive step forward for Bihar’s connectivity and mobility, offering its people a tangible bridge to national growth opportunities.Purnia Airport, once operational, will be more than just a transport facility. It will stand as a symbol of equitable progress, expanding horizons for a region long underserved in India’s aviation map.
