JD(U) MP demands international status for Darbhanga airport

Patna: JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha on Wednesday demanded in the Rajya Sabha to give international status to Darbhanga airport. He said it is the most successful airport under the UDAN scheme in Bihar, handling approximately 3 million passengers in the last five years.Jha urged the Centre to coordinate with all ministries and grant it international status as soon as possible. Raising the issue in the House, he said the state govt had submitted proposals to the Union civil aviation ministry on Sept 18, 2024, and Dec 26, 2025, seeking extension of the Darbhanga airport runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft and the resumption of international flights.The MP said Darbhanga airport is currently under the control of the Indian Army. Therefore, the expansion requires coordination with the central govt. On Oct 18, 2024, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated the need for 90 acres of additional land to expand the Darbhanga airport runway to 12,000 feet, in accordance with international standards.The Rajya Sabha member said the Bihar govt requested a no-objection certificate from the ministry of defence on Nov 13, 2024. “The ministry of defence granted in-principle approval on Dec 9. The Bihar cabinet subsequently allocated Rs245 crore on Jan 10, 2025, to acquire additional land. This amount has been disbursed to the Darbhanga district administration. Land acquisition is in the final stages,” he said.Jha said Darbhanga airport is a vital airport for the people of Mithila, North Bihar and Nepal. Its transformation into an international airport will benefit the entire region. He said the makhana (foxnut) grown in this region will be able to be transported across the country and the world through cargo services by providing international connectivity to Mithila and Nepal.The state govt has also announced the construction of a logistics park and cargo hub near Darbhanga airport. This will facilitate air cargo transportation of agricultural products from Mithila and North Bihar.