Bihar plans to reactivate 21 old airstrips for regional flights

The Bihar state government and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation are planning to reactivate approximately 21 old, defunct, or underserved airstrips across Bihar. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on currently busy airports in Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga by expanding regional air connectivity.

The identified sites include locations such as Muzaffarpur (Patahi), Bhagalpur, Raxaul, Gopalganj, Munger, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Begusarai, and Madhubani, among others. Many of these sites possess existing runway infrastructure that could support small aircraft of 19 to 72 seats following repairs and the construction of terminal sheds.

Under the ‘Modified UDAN 2.0’ scheme, states are granted more direct participation through a ‘challenge mode’ framework. Reactivating airstrips near the Nepal border, such as Raxaul and Valmikinagar, is expected to bolster national security while facilitating trade and international tourism.