What’s inside:
This article discusses the vacancy of the Director position at Gaya International Airport during a busy tourist season and its impact on operations.
The Gaya International Airport has been without a Director for three months now, especially during the busy tourist season in Bodhgaya. The previous Director, Bangjit Saha, was transferred to Dibrugarh in late October 2025, and since then, no new Director has been appointed.
Currently, Awadhesh Kumar is managing the airport’s operations as the Executive Director. The tourist season in Bodhgaya usually runs from October to March, and with only two months left, there are concerns among people involved in tourism about the lack of a full-time director.
Without a regular Director, many important decisions for the airport are on hold. For instance, plans to install a CAT approach light system for safe landings in foggy weather have not been completed, causing flight disruptions during the foggy season from mid-December to late January.
The runway at Gaya International Airport is currently 2,286 meters long, but it needs to be longer and wider to accommodate larger aircraft. Additionally, upgrades to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) are necessary to ensure flights can operate safely during bad weather.
There is also a need to expand the terminal and improve facilities for international passengers. Officials have varied opinions on the situation; while some claim it has not affected airport operations, others stress the urgency of appointing a regular Director to boost development and tourism.
Summary:
- The Director position at Gaya International Airport has been vacant for three months.
- Awadhesh Kumar is currently managing the airport as Executive Director.
- Important decisions regarding airport upgrades are delayed due to the vacancy.
- The runway needs expansion to handle larger aircraft effectively.
- There are calls for immediate appointment of a regular Director to improve operations.
