Patna Airport, officially known as Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport (IATA: PAT), is Bihar's primary aviation hub. Located just 5 km southwest of Patna's city center, it connects Bihar to major cities across India and will soon offer international connectivity.

Patna Airport, Wiki

Named after the revered freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan, the airport has witnessed rapid passenger growth, making it one of the busiest airports in India. As a result, a massive expansion project is underway to enhance capacity, improve passenger experience, and introduce modern aviation infrastructure.

This article covers Patna Airport's history, facilities, airlines, metro connectivity, latest expansion updates, and future developments.

Established in 1973, Patna Airport initially served a limited number of domestic flights. Over time, as Bihar's economic and tourism sectors grew, the demand for air travel surged, leading to congestion issues.

The airport has continuously evolved, but its short runway and limited terminal space have restricted its ability to operate larger aircraft. To address this, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Bihar government launched a comprehensive expansion project.

Patna Map, Wiki

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Patna Airport Facilities, TOI

Currently, Patna Airport spans 245 acres and is undergoing significant upgrades to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency, and accommodate increasing air traffic. Below are the key infrastructure features and facilities available at the airport.

1. Runway

Patna Airport has a single 2,072-meter-long asphalt runway, which limits the operations of wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s. Due to space constraints, there are currently no plans for a second runway.

A parallel taxi track is under construction to improve aircraft movement and reduce runway congestion, making flight operations more efficient.

2. Terminal Building

The existing terminal covers 12,000 square meters and handles approximately 3 million passengers annually.

With air traffic increasing rapidly, a new terminal spanning 65,155 square meters is being developed to handle up to 10 million passengers per year.

Modernization features include:

• Expanded check-in counters and security check lanes for faster processing
• Additional aerobridges for smooth boarding and deboarding
• Advanced baggage handling systems to speed up luggage clearance

3. Passenger Amenities

Lounges and Waiting Areas
 The existing passenger lounges have been upgraded with comfortable seating, charging stations, and Wi-Fi access. A new VIP lounge and business-class lounge are part of the expansion project.

Baggage Claim Systems and Check-in Counters
 Advanced baggage handling and automated check-in kiosks are being introduced to reduce waiting times.

Currency Exchange and Banking Services
 Several currency exchange counters and ATM kiosks are available for domestic and international passengers. Once international flights resume, more foreign exchange counters will be added.

Medical Services
 A 24x7 medical emergency unit with trained professionals is available at the terminal. New first-aid stations and pharmacies are being added for passenger convenience.

Retail Outlets and Food Courts
 The airport houses several duty-free stores, souvenir shops, and bookstores. Multiple restaurants, cafes, and snack bars are available, with additional dining options planned for the new terminal.

4. Security and Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Surveillance and Security Upgrades
 CCTV cameras with AI-based monitoring have been installed across the airport for enhanced security. Automated baggage screening and biometric access control systems are being implemented to speed up security checks.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Facilities
 The ATC tower is equipped with advanced radar systems, real-time flight monitoring, and digital communication technology. The new expansion project includes enhanced air navigation systems, ensuring safer and more efficient air traffic management.

Challenges and Future Improvements

Runway Length Limitation: Since the 2,072-meter runway is relatively short, wide-body aircraft cannot operate at full load capacity. The development of Bihta Airport is being planned as an alternative aviation hub for handling larger aircraft and overflow traffic.

Limited Terminal Space: The existing terminal struggles with high passenger footfall during peak hours. The new terminal, expected to open in April 2025, will provide spacious waiting areas, better boarding facilities, and modernized services.

Traffic Congestion at Entry and Exit Points: Due to heavy vehicle traffic around the airport, passengers often face delays. The Patna Metro Rail project, set for completion by August 2025, will provide faster airport access and reduce road congestion.

Final Thoughts

The ongoing expansion and modernization of Patna Airport are set to enhance passenger comfort, improve flight operations, and make travel more efficient. With a new terminal, better passenger facilities, and an upgraded ATC system, the airport is gearing up to handle a growing number of domestic and international travelers while ensuring seamless operations and top-tier security.

Also Read: Agatti Airport: The Gateway to Lakshadweep's Tropical Paradise

Meeting for future development of the airport, Wiki

The expansion of Patna Airport is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Bihar's aviation sector. With increasing passenger traffic and growing demand for better facilities, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is undertaking a major transformation project to enhance operational efficiency and passenger convenience. Below are the latest updates on the expansion, set to be completed by April 2025.

1. New Terminal Building

A state-of-the-art terminal covering 65,155 square meters is currently under construction and is expected to significantly enhance the airport's passenger handling capacity and operational efficiency.

Designed Capacity

• The new terminal will handle up to 10 million passengers annually, a significant increase from the current 3 million capacity.
• This expansion aims to meet Bihar's growing air travel demand over the next decade.

Peak Hour Handling

• The upgraded terminal is designed to accommodate 3,000 passengers during peak hours, ensuring smoother check-ins and reduced congestion.
• Additional check-in counters, immigration desks, and baggage claim areas will improve efficiency and reduce waiting times.

Aesthetic Design and Cultural Elements

• The architectural theme is inspired by the ancient ruins of Nalanda University, one of India's most prestigious educational institutions.
• The interiors will feature traditional Madhubani artwork, showcasing Bihar's rich cultural heritage.
• The new terminal will also include modern lighting, energy-efficient structures, and a sustainable design in line with global aviation standards.

2. Increased Aircraft Parking Capacity

• To accommodate the increasing number of flights, the existing 6 aircraft parking bays are being expanded to 11.
• With additional parking spaces, the airport will be able to handle more simultaneous arrivals and departures, reducing airside congestion and flight delays.
• The newly developed bays will support larger aircraft, allowing for future international flight operations.

3. Runway and Taxiway Upgrades

• A Parallel Taxi Track is being developed to improve aircraft movement and reduce runway congestion.
• This upgrade will allow for quicker turnaround times for arriving and departing flights, thereby enhancing overall airport efficiency.
• The upgraded taxiway system will ensure that flights spend less time on the ground, improving operational speed and passenger convenience.

4. Passenger Facilities and Upgrades

The expansion is not just about increased capacity, it is also focused on enhancing passenger comfort and convenience. The new terminal will offer:

Aerobridges for Seamless Boarding

• The terminal will have five aerobridges, allowing passengers to board directly from the terminal to the aircraft, reducing the need for shuttle buses on the tarmac.
• This upgrade will significantly improve the boarding experience, particularly for senior citizens, disabled passengers, and families.

Automated Baggage Carousels

• The new baggage handling system will include automated carousels, reducing waiting times for arriving passengers.
• Improved baggage tracking technology will ensure faster, safer, and more efficient luggage handling.

Luxury Lounges and Expanded Security Check Areas

• Premium business-class lounges and VIP waiting areas will be added to provide a comfortable experience for travelers.
• Additional security check lanes will help reduce congestion at peak hours, improving passenger movement efficiency.
• The immigration and customs area is also being expanded to handle international flights smoothly.

5. Completion Timeline 

• As per the latest directives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the new terminal is expected to be fully operational by April 2025.
• Construction work is 85 percent complete as of February 2025, and the remaining infrastructure is being fast-tracked to meet the deadline.
• Once complete, the expansion will significantly improve passenger handling, reduce wait times, and provide world-class airport facilities.

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