The long wait for air connectivity is finally coming to an end for the people of Muzaffarpur and North Bihar. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially moved from the planning stage to execution for the revival of Patahi Airport. A tender worth Rs 43.13 crore has been issued specifically for the construction and strengthening of the runway. This development marks a significant milestone, as flight operations are set to resume after a gap of 57 years, bringing huge relief to residents who currently rely on Patna or Darbhanga airports.
What is the Construction Plan and Cost?
The government is moving fast to ensure the airport becomes operational by 2027. The latest tender issued on February 13, 2026, focuses on the core infrastructure required for landing and takeoff. Here are the key details of the project:
- Runway Construction: The Rs 43.13 crore tender covers the runway, taxiway, apron, and perimeter road. The runway will be expanded to 1300 meters to handle small aircraft.
- Terminal Building: An earlier tender of Rs 28.58 crore was issued in October 2025 for a prefabricated terminal, ATC tower, and fire station.
- Total Investment: The entire redevelopment plan is estimated to cost around Rs 72 crore.
- Timeline: The construction work is expected to be completed within 11 to 12 months, paving the way for flights to start next year.
How Will It Benefit the Common Man?
The revival of Patahi Airport is not just about flights; it is about changing the economy of the region. Currently, people from Muzaffarpur have to travel 70 to 100 kilometers to catch a flight from Patna or Darbhanga. With this new airport, travel time will be saved significantly. The airport is designed for 19-seater aircraft (Code-2B) under the UDAN scheme, making regional travel affordable.
This project is also a big boost for local farmers and traders. Muzaffarpur is famous for its Shahi Litchi, and having a functional airport will make exports easier and faster. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary has termed this project a major gift that will increase tourism and employment in the Tirhut region. The boundary wall for the 101-acre site is already complete, ensuring that work can proceed without security hurdles.
