Launch of New Flight Routes from Purnea Airport
IndiGo Airlines (6E) and Star Air (S5) are set to commence direct flights from Purnea Airport (PUI) to Kolkata (CCU) and Ahmedabad (AMD) respectively on September 15, 2025. This coincides with the formal inauguration of the airport under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to enhance the air travel network in Bihar.
Bihar’s Airport Expansion Plan
The government of Bihar has announced plans to develop 15 airports across the state, significantly increasing from the current number of three airports. This expansion is estimated to cost approximately $130 million (₹115 crore). Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary confirmed that commercial operations at Purnea Airport would start within three months following the terminal building’s completion. For the initial phase, a temporary terminal has been established to facilitate passenger operations.
IndiGo’s Flight Operations
- IndiGo (6E) will offer thrice-weekly services using ATR aircraft between Purnea and Kolkata on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Flight 6E 7924 will depart from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) at 12:30 PM and arrive in Purnea (PUI) at 1:40 PM. The return flight, 6E 7925, will leave Purnea at 2:30 PM and reach Kolkata at 3:40 PM.
This effort positions IndiGo as the inaugural airline to commence commercial operations from Purnea, marking a new chapter in northern Bihar’s connectivity.
Star Air’s Contribution to Enhanced Connectivity
Star Air (S5) will begin service between Ahmedabad (AMD) and Purnea (PUI) starting September 15, with three weekly flights. This direct route is anticipated to improve travel accessibility between Bihar and Gujarat, an economic powerhouse, fostering both trade and passenger movement.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Sales at IndiGo, stated, “We are proud to further strengthen regional connectivity with the addition of Purnea to our network. An emerging center for trade and industry, Purnea will now have direct flights to Kolkata. The introduction of air travel will strengthen the region’s infrastructure to support its agriculture and food processing sector as well.”
Impact of the UDAN Scheme
The launch of flights from Purnea under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) initiative aligns with the government’s objective to make air travel more accessible to smaller cities. For Purnea, a vital hub for agriculture and food processing, improved connectivity will bolster supply chains and attract new business opportunities. Previously, the region depended on distant airports in Patna (PAT), Gaya (GAY), and Darbhanga (DBR). With the commencement of these commercial flights, residents will have direct access to major cities, decreasing travel time and costs.
Background of Purnea Airport
An airbase near Chunapur, located 10 km from Purnea town, was originally established shortly after the 1962 Indo-China war for military purposes. Civilian flights started in 1976 but were halted in 1978. Limited flight services resumed in 2012 between Purnea and Patna, and Purnea and Kolkata, but they were discontinued after a year due to low demand. The 2024 inauguration signifies the first comprehensive civilian relaunch, equipped to sustain extended operations.
