The much-anticipated Purnia airport near the IAF airbase at Chunapur, located 10 km from the district headquarters, is expected to begin commercial flight operations by next month. Under the Centre’s Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (Udan) scheme, direct flights to Delhi and Kolkata will soon be available. Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials confirmed that the new interim terminal building, spanning 3,000 sq m, is 99% complete, with final finishing touches in progress. The facility, built at a cost of INR 34 crore, is scheduled for inauguration on September 15.
The launch coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to inaugurate multiple multi-crore projects for Purnia and neighbouring districts. Engineers reported that civil and interior works on the terminal are already complete, with only minor external finishing pending. Construction began in May and was completed in just four months, offering modern passenger amenities with two boarding gates, two arrival gates, and two departure gates.
The terminal will have the capacity to handle 300 passengers during peak hours and will be decorated with local heritage elements such as Manjusha art. AAI officials said additional facilities, including another conveyor belt and boarding gate, are planned for the future. The airside infrastructure will make use of the Indian Air Force’s runway, which stretches 2,743 metres, enabling operations for larger aircraft.
IndiGo has been selected to operate flights on the two proposed routes to Delhi and Kolkata. The airport’s boundary wall, measuring 1,706.8 metres in length and about eight feet in height, is nearing completion, with plastering and painting works progressing quickly. A one-and-a-half-foot-high concertina wire will also be installed on top for enhanced security.
The Bihar government allocated 67 acres of land for the civil enclave on the southern side of the airbase. Alongside the terminal, the development includes an apron, a connecting taxiway, and designated areas for ground support equipment. These facilities aim to ensure smooth aircraft operations and efficient passenger handling.
Access to the new airport will be improved by a four-lane road measuring 930 metres, constructed at a cost of over INR 14 crore. With the project nearly complete, the opening of Purnia airport is set to significantly boost air travel in the Seemanchal region, improving connectivity for residents and supporting economic growth in Bihar’s northeast districts
