Flights Planned from Muzaffarpur to Valmikinagar; Begusarai and Gopalganj Airports Set for Revival

Patna: The Bihar government has announced an ambitious push to expand air connectivity across the state, extending aviation infrastructure beyond Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga and Purnea to several smaller cities.

Presenting the 2026–27 state budget in the Assembly on Tuesday, Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said preparations are underway to launch small aircraft operations from airports in Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Birpur, Munger, Motihari, Chhapra, Madhubani and Valmikinagar.

Revival of Closed Airports

The budget also confirms steps to revive long-defunct airports in Begusarai and Gopalganj, alongside plans to build two new greenfield airports. According to budget documents, preliminary feasibility studies have been approved to reopen Ulav Airport in Begusarai and the Sabeya military airstrip in Gopalganj. An initial allocation of ₹81 lakh has been sanctioned for early-stage work.

New Greenfield Airports

The government is moving ahead with new airport infrastructure projects. A greenfield airport is being developed at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district, where 931 acres of land are being acquired at an estimated cost of ₹472 crore. Another greenfield airport has been proposed at Sonepur in Saran district, intended to serve Patna, Hajipur and Chhapra. Administrative approval for land acquisition at Sonepur is in process, with an estimated cost of ₹1,302 crore.

Officials have also reiterated plans for a greenfield airport at Rajgir in Nalanda district, although the project was not specifically mentioned in this year’s budget allocation.

Focus on Expanding Aviation Network

Darbhanga Airport is being upgraded to international standards, with runway expansion, a new civil enclave and a proposed cargo terminal in the pipeline. Development work is continuing at Bihta Airport near Patna, while land acquisition is underway for airports at Raxaul and Supaul. In Saharsa, runway expansion is in progress to operationalise the airport.

Officials said the expansion drive is aimed at improving regional connectivity, boosting tourism and accelerating economic growth across Bihar.