The Bihar government has officially approved a major aviation project that promises to transform air travel for the entire region. In a cabinet meeting held on February 20, 2026, the proposal for land acquisition for a new international airport in Sonpur, Saran was cleared. This new airport aims to provide direct connectivity to international destinations like the USA and Australia, reducing the dependency on Delhi or Mumbai airports for long-haul flights. The project is being championed as a game-changer for the state’s economy and connectivity.
What is the timeline and budget for the project?
The government has set a target to make the airport fully operational by the year 2030. Officials estimate that construction and operational setup might take about five to seven years. To kickstart the process, the Nitish Kumar government has allocated a budget of ₹1,302 crore specifically for acquiring land. The project will cover a massive area of approximately 4,228 acres, which places the Sonpur airport in the league of the country’s largest airports like Delhi and the upcoming Jewar airport.
Which international flights will operate from Sonpur?
The new facility is designed to function as a major aviation hub, similar to the transit models seen in Dubai and Sharjah. This strategic location will serve passengers from neighboring states and countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
- The runway will be 4,200 meters long, allowing large aircraft like the Airbus A380 to land easily.
- Passengers will get direct flights to the USA, UK, Australia, and various Gulf countries.
- It will serve as a central hub for travelers from North-East India and West Bengal.
- Currently, travelers from Bihar have to transit through major metros, but this airport will offer direct routes.
How will farmers be compensated for their land?
The administration has prioritized fair compensation to ensure the land acquisition process runs smoothly without affecting local farmers negatively. According to the approved rules, land rates have been fixed at five times the current real estate value. The site is located in the ‘Dariyapur Chanwar’ area of Sonpur, just 15 to 20 kilometers from Patna. This location was specifically chosen to reduce the traffic load on the existing Patna airport, which has a shorter runway that limits the operation of big international flights.
