Patna airport cleared for direct flights to 15 countries including SAARC and ASEAN nations

Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna has been included among 18 airports in India designated for direct international flight operations under bilateral air service agreements. These permissions cover flights to five SAARC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka—and ten ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Laos.

The information was shared in the Rajya Sabha on Monday by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in response to a question from BJP MP Dr. Bhim Singh. Dr. Singh raised a demand for direct international connectivity from Patna, especially to Gulf and Southeast Asian countries, and asked about any ongoing plans and expected timelines for the same. He also acknowledged the airport’s infrastructure upgrade and requested a commercial viability study.

In his reply, the Civil Aviation Minister stated that Patna is a customs-notified airport but currently does not handle any direct international scheduled flights. He added that Indian airlines, as well as those from the listed SAARC and ASEAN countries, are permitted to operate unlimited services to and from the airport under existing bilateral agreements. The Minister said, "Patna Airport is one of the 18 tourist gateway destinations from where these operations are allowed."

The Minister clarified that under bilateral air service agreements, designated Indian airlines are allowed to operate flights to Gulf and Southeast Asian countries from any international airport, including Patna. He confirmed that infrastructure and regional connectivity development is ongoing as part of the government’s aviation expansion plan, which includes efforts at Patna and Gaya airports in Bihar.

According to the Ministry, once airlines initiate services, passengers from Bihar will have access to direct flights to multiple international destinations. All permissions are in place under the agreements, and operational decisions now rest with the respective airlines based on commercial feasibility and demand.