Three more aerobridges, parking bays likely at Patna airport by January

Patna: Three more aerobridges and parking bays at Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna are likely to become operational by Jan. Additionally, the parallel taxi-track (PTT) will also operate alongside them, further streamlining airside movements.Currently, only two aerobridges are functional at the city airport’s new terminal building, which was inaugurated in May 2025. The remaining three were constructed, with all physical work, stand preparations, and related documentation completed from the airport’s side.Airport director Chandra Pratap Dwivedi told TOI, as of now, only two aerobridges are operational at the airport. “The remaining three are constructed and ready to use, with all necessary paperwork submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last month. Applications for the DGCA approval were submitted for the third aerobridge on Dec 4, another on Dec 23, and for the fifth on Dec 28, along with associated parking bays on Dec 8,” he said.He added: “The introduction of additional aerobridges will allow seamless boarding and de-boarding directly from the terminal, shielding travellers from harsh weather conditions and expediting the process.”Airport authorities said the aerobridges will start functioning once the DGCA gives clearance, which is likely to be in Jan itself.Previously equipped with six parking bays, the apron facility will soon increase to eight suitable for larger aircraft like Airbus. Of these, five will feature aerobridges for direct boarding, while three will be remote bays, where passengers board via buses without aerobridge connectivity.In addition to these, three more bays are designated for smaller aircraft, such as Dornier planes used primarily for medical ambulances and similar operations. This brings the count of parking bays to 11.Dwivedi said the new taxi track, which has already received the DGCA nod, will also start functioning.The 1,389-metre-long parallel taxiway, constructed alongside the runway, will significantly reduce the time aircraft spend occupying the runway. As a result, the airport will soon be able to handle more flights. This enhancement will boost the runway’s operational capacity by allowing more flights to be processed in less time, thereby minimising ground and airborne delays and leading to substantial fuel savings. It will also ensure passengers experience shorter waiting times both before take-off and after landing.