New Airport Approved in Bihar

• 21 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

Recently, approval has been given by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the construction of a new airport at Bihta, Bihar. 

Key Points  

• About Bihta Airport: 
  • It will be constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 459 crore. 
  • The work of construction of the airport has been assigned to a Russian company. 
  • The target has been set to complete this airport by the year 2026. 
  • The Bihar government has allotted about 108 acres of land for the construction of the airport.  
  • Along with this, Danapur-Bihta elevated corridor is being constructed at a cost of about Rs 2000 crore, which is likely to be completed by the year 2026. 
• Benefits: 
  • This airport will be connected to Patna city and will also become a new air traffic hub for the entire Bihar and surrounding areas. 
  • This will enhance air connectivity between major cities, driving growth in business and tourism. 
  • The airport's construction will boost local employment, enhance passenger facilities, and make travel more affordable. 

Airports Authority of India (AAI) 

• AAI is a statutory body , constituted by an Act of Parliament on April 1, 1995. 
• Its headquarters is in New Delhi. 
• This authority constructs, upgrades, maintains and manages civil aviation infrastructure both on ground and in airspace . 
• At present, the AAI manages 137 airports, including 23 international airports, 10 customs airports, 81 domestic airports and 23 domestic civil enclaves in defence airfields. 
• It also provides air navigation services and operates a training institute for aviation professionals.