After a long gap, hopes for air connectivity have revived for residents of Muzaffarpur, with the process to begin operating small aircraft from Patahi Airport set to start in June. Providing this information, Sanjay Jha said the move would be a step toward strengthening regional connectivity.
Small aircraft operations are expected to begin in the initial phase. Administrative and technical preparations for the launch have been accelerated, while airport infrastructure and security standards are also under review.
Patahi Airport has been awaiting the start of flight services for a long time. Residents of North Bihar have demanded regular air services from the airport to reduce dependence on Patna and other major cities.
Member of Parliament Sanjay Jha said the start of air connectivity would benefit trade, education, healthcare and tourism. He said people in North Bihar, in particular, would save travel time and economic activities would increase.
The process is being advanced through coordination between the Indian Airports Authority and related departments. Work is also being carried out on the runway, security arrangements and other technical facilities at the airport premises.
Local residents said flight services from Muzaffarpur would benefit the wider Mithila and Tirhut regions. Businesspersons, students and patients would find it easier to travel to larger cities.
The central and state governments are continuing efforts to promote regional air services in Bihar. Work is underway at several airports under plans to connect smaller cities to the air network.
Experts said the launch of air services in a city like Muzaffarpur could also support investment and tourism. People associated with the litchi industry and agricultural trade may also benefit from faster transport facilities.
The development has also been discussed on social media. People have long demanded airport operations and are expressing happiness over reports that the process will begin in June.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is focusing on connecting smaller cities under the regional air connectivity scheme. Patahi Airport is being considered capable of playing an important role in this direction.
Although regular flight services may still take some time to begin, information that the process will start in June has raised expectations among local residents.
