By A Correspondent Â
Patna: Preparations to upgrade Patna Airport into a world-class aviation facility have gathered momentum, with key decisions taken on runway expansion and modernisation of passenger amenities. The proposals were finalised during a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee chaired by Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Officials emphasised the urgent need to expand the runway in view of the rising passenger load. At present, the airport handles around 44 pairs of flights daily and caters to nearly four million passengers annually. With footfall steadily increasing, authorities noted that expansion has become essential to ease congestion and improve operational efficiency.
The committee also discussed plans to introduce direct international flights from Patna to destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok and Kathmandu, a move expected to enhance connectivity and boost regional economic activity.
To expedite the development process, instructions were issued to fast-track land acquisition. A dedicated team has been constituted to conduct a survey of surrounding areas required for the proposed expansion.
Concerns were raised over airport safety, crowd management and bird activity in the vicinity, with officials calling for immediate measures to address these challenges. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the committee also proposed promoting local products at the airport, aiming to showcase regional goods to a wider audience.
The decisions mark a significant step towards transforming Patna Airport into a modern, efficient and globally connected aviation hub.
