Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport: Gateway to Bihar's Capital

Introduction

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, commonly known as Patna Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway to Bihar's capital city and one of India's most historically significant regions. Named after Indian independence activist and political leader Jayprakash Narayan, this airport plays a crucial role in connecting Bihar to the rest of India and select international destinations, facilitating business, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region.

Airport Overview and Location

Located approximately 5km southwest of Patna city, Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport operates under the IATA code PAT and ICAO code VEPT. The airport is strategically positioned to serve not only Patna but also the broader Bihar region, making it an essential transportation hub for millions of residents and visitors.

It was built in 1973 and has since evolved to meet the growing aviation demands of the region. The airport operates under the direct authority of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which controls its operations and manages ongoing development projects.

Airport Rankings and Traffic Statistics

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport holds significant importance in India's aviation landscape. Various sources provide slightly different rankings, but all confirm its position among India's busiest airports. Patna Airport is the 15th busiest airport in India according to Air India, while other sources indicate it as the 18th busiest airport in India and 21st busiest airport in India according to statistics released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Domestic traffic is growing rapidly, reflecting the increasing connectivity needs of Bihar and the surrounding regions. The airport handles both passenger and cargo operations, contributing to the economic development of the state.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Current Terminal and Runway Configuration

The airport currently operates with a single runway, though its location presents unique challenges. Due to the sandwiching location between the Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan and Phulwari Sharif railway station, the runway of the airport is too short to accommodate larger aircraft. This constraint has been a limiting factor for the airport's capacity to handle wide-body aircraft and larger passenger volumes.

New Terminal Development

Recognizing the growing demand and infrastructure limitations, significant expansion efforts are underway. A new terminal has been under construction since October 2018, at a cost of ₹ 12.17 billion (US$152 million). It will have an area of 65,155 sq.m. This substantial investment represents a major upgrade to the airport's capacity and passenger experience capabilities.

The new terminal project reached a significant milestone when more than 85% of work has been completed, the new terminal building is inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on 29 May 2025. This inauguration marks a new chapter in the airport's development and its ability to serve increasing passenger volumes.

Digital Infrastructure and Modern Amenities

The airport is enabled with Digi Yatra facility since July 2024, so that passengers travelling from the airport can avail it for seamless check-in experience and save their time. This digital initiative represents the airport's commitment to modernizing passenger experience and reducing processing times.

Airlines and Route Network

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, though it is classified as a Restricted International Airport by AAI. This classification indicates that while international operations are permitted, they may be subject to certain operational restrictions.

Air India operates domestic and international flights from the integrated terminal, with counters 1A, 1, 2, and 3 in the departure hall. The airport accommodates various airlines serving different route networks to connect Bihar with major Indian cities and select international destinations.

There are 106 flights on 14 different routes from Patna Jay Prakash, indicating a diverse connectivity option for passengers traveling from the airport.

Operational Performance and Reliability

The airport maintains competitive operational performance standards. The Airportia On-Time Performance Rating for Patna Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) is 4.4/5 stars, calculated using data from flight departures over the last 10 days. This rating demonstrates the airport's commitment to punctual operations and reliable service delivery.

Future Development Plans

Civil Enclave at Bihta Air Force Station

To address capacity constraints and accommodate larger aircraft, The AAI has planned to develop a civil enclave at the Bihta Air Force Station, 20 km (12 mi) away from Patna, to cater larger aircraft. This strategic development will provide additional capacity and enable the region to handle aircraft types that cannot currently operate from the main airport due to runway limitations.

Expansion and Modernization

Patna Airport is under expansion mode to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. These expansion efforts include not only the new terminal but also improvements to supporting infrastructure, passenger amenities, and operational capabilities.

Ground Transportation and Connectivity

Local Transportation Options

It is well-connected to the city by taxis and auto rickshaws, providing passengers with convenient transportation options to and from the airport. The proximity to the city center makes ground transportation relatively quick and affordable for most passengers.

Accessibility

The airport's location within reasonable distance of Patna city center ensures good accessibility for passengers from various parts of the metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

Contact Information and Communication Channels

Phone Numbers and Contact Details

The airport provides multiple contact options for different services:

General Airport Queries:

• Toll Free: +91 612-222 0683 (For Airport Queries)

Specialized Services:

• +91 99058 96870 (Help Desk)
• +91 94710 00714 (Terminal Manager 1)
• +91 612-222 0797 (Terminal Manager 2/Airport Director Office)
• +91 612-222 8553 (ASG Unit/CISF)

Administrative Address

Airports Authority of India J.P.N.I. Airport Patna-800014 (Bihar)

The airport operates under the overall supervision of Airports Authority of India, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003 Ph : 91-11-24632950

Areas Served and Regional Importance

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway for Bihar state and surrounding regions. The airport facilitates connectivity for:

Bihar State

• Patna metropolitan area
• Districts across Bihar
• Government and administrative centers

Economic Impact

The airport supports Bihar's economic development by:

• Facilitating business travel and investment
• Supporting tourism to historical and cultural sites
• Enabling cargo operations for regional industries
• Connecting local businesses to national and international markets

Educational and Cultural Connectivity

Bihar's rich educational heritage, including institutions like Nalanda University and various historical sites, benefits from improved aviation connectivity that the airport provides.

Challenges and Infrastructure Limitations

Current Constraints

The airport faces several operational challenges:

• Runway length limitations due to geographical constraints
• The airport is very small and needs urgent expansion
• The airport has a lot of passengers but there aren't any good amenities at all
• Patna airport is a very old airport and needs to be expanded/renovated as it lacks many modern facilities

Ongoing Solutions

The substantial investment in the new terminal and planning for the Bihta civil enclave demonstrate proactive approaches to addressing these limitations and meeting future demand.

Technology Integration and Modern Services

The airport has embraced digital transformation through various initiatives:

• Digi Yatra implementation for seamless passenger processing
• Modern check-in and security systems
• Digital information systems for passenger convenience

Tourism and Regional Development

As Bihar continues to develop its tourism potential, particularly around historical sites like Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda, Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport plays a crucial role in providing access for domestic and international tourists.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

Like other major Indian airports, Patna Airport is expected to incorporate sustainability measures as part of its expansion and modernization efforts, though specific environmental initiatives are part of ongoing development plans.

Conclusion

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport stands as a vital transportation hub for Bihar and the surrounding region, connecting one of India's most historically significant areas to the broader national and international aviation network. Despite current infrastructure limitations, the airport's substantial expansion projects, including the new terminal inaugurated in 2025 and planned civil enclave at Bihta, position it for significant growth and improved service capabilities.

The airport's steady passenger traffic growth, improved operational performance, and strategic importance to Bihar's economic development make it a critical piece of infrastructure for the state's continued progress. As these expansion projects come to completion, Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport will be better positioned to serve the growing aviation needs of Bihar while contributing to the region's economic development and connectivity goals.