All About Patna International Airport (PAT): Complete Guide for Travellers 2025

The airport was originally built in 1973 and has played a key role in connecting Bihar to the rest of India. It once handled international flights as well but those were stopped in 1999 after the IC-814 hijacking incident. Today, the airport mainly operates domestic services, though plans for international operations in the future are under discussion.

To keep up with demand, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) launched a major expansion project. The highlight is the brand-new two-level passenger terminal which was inaugurated by the Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), on 29 May 2025 and became fully operational on 3 June 2025.

The new terminal spreads across 65,150 square metres and can handle up to 10 million passengers annually, a huge leap from the earlier 3 million capacity. Inside, it can accommodate 3,000 passengers at peak hours, with 64 check-in counters, five aerobridges, 13 boarding gates, Digi Yatra facilities for contactless travel and four baggage belts.

The design is inspired by Bihar’s rich culture, featuring Madhubani artwork, Nalanda-inspired architecture and eco-friendly systems like LED lighting and insulated roofing. A multi-level car park with space for 1,100 vehicles is also operational.

Alongside this, the cargo terminal, inaugurated in February 2025, has boosted annual handling capacity to 22,000 metric tonnes, including cold storage for perishables such as mangoes and litchis.

Every day, Patna Airport manages around 8,000–10,000 passengers and about 40 flights, making it a buzzing hub for eastern India. During the winter months, the number rises to nearly 1,200 flights per month.

The airport has only one runway, measuring 2,072 metres which restricts the landing of larger aircraft. Because of this limitation and growing demand, the government has also planned a new civil enclave at Bihta Air Force Station, located 20 km away, to handle bigger planes in the future.

Patna Airport is located just 5 km away from Patna Junction Railway Station and around 7 km from Mithapur Bus Stand, making it well-connected to the city.

By taxi or car: It usually takes 15 - 30 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic.
By bus: Local buses along Bailey Road connect the airport with several city points.
By train: Frequent trains link Patna Railway Station with different parts of Bihar and India, giving passengers easy access after their flight.

While shuttle services are still not reliable, taxis and prepaid auto-rickshaws are available right outside the terminal.

Flyers will find a wide range of services inside the airport, making their travel smoother and more comfortable:

• Dining outlets and snack counters for quick meals.
• Retail shops for books, newspapers and travel essentials.
• Duty-free and souvenir stores highlighting local crafts.
• ATMs, currency exchange and postal services.
• Free Wi-Fi for a limited time.
• Baggage services such as trolleys, wrapping and lost-and-found.
• Car parking with both short-term and long-term options.

The new terminal also showcases traditional artwork and carvings, offering a glimpse of Bihar’s culture to every visitor.

Patna Airport is well-connected to several major cities across India while making it convenient for business travellers, tourists and students alike. A variety of airlines operate daily flights from the Patna airport, offering multiple options to suit different schedules and budgets.

Air India flies to important hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, providing both regular and early morning flights for business travellers.
Air India Express connects Patna to cities including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad and Kolkata, helping passengers reach both metropolitan and regional destinations.
IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers, serves numerous routes such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune and Ranchi, making it a popular choice for frequent passengers.
SpiceJet offers convenient connections to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Guwahati and Mumbai, giving travellers flexible options for business or leisure trips.

With this range of airlines and destinations, Patna Airport ensures smooth connectivity to the northern, eastern and southern parts of India, making it a key gateway for travellers across the country.

Patna International Airport has been recognised for its excellent services and safety standards. Notably its fire station was awarded the best in eastern India by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), highlighting the airport’s commitment to passenger safety and emergency readiness. This award reflects how the airport balances modern facilities with strong safety measures, ensuring a reliable experience for every traveller.

Patna, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, has a history that stretches back to the 5th century BC. Once the capital of great empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, it sits on the banks of the holy Ganges River and is surrounded by the Gandak, Kosi and Sone rivers.

Today, Patna is a growing city that attracts business travellers, students and tourists alike. With its ancient heritage, vibrant culture and modern growth, the city is becoming a major hub of eastern India and Patna International Airport is the main and important gateway for millions of visitors each year.

When you book your journey through FlightsMojo, your experience at Patna Airport becomes smooth and hassle-free. From the moment you enter the terminal, Digi Yatra gates make check-in quicker, while spacious waiting areas give you enough comfort before boarding. Inside, you’ll find cafés and eateries for a quick bite, retail stores for essentials and free Wi-Fi for the public to stay connected while you wait for your flight.

Arrivals are just as convenient, baggage claim is efficient with multiple conveyor belts and taxis, prepaid autos and buses are available right outside the exit, making it easy to head straight into the city. With FlightsMojo helping you find affordable tickets and Patna Airport offering upgraded services, your travel experience feels seamless from booking to boarding.

• Named after Jayprakash Narayan, a freedom fighter and leader.
• Full Address: Shaheed Pir Ali Khan Marg, Sheikhpura, Patna, Bihar 800014
• A new terminal was inaugurated in May 2025, with a passenger capacity of 10 million.
• Handles 8,000 -10,000 passengers daily and about 40 flights per day.
• Equipped with Digi Yatra, aerobridges and energy-efficient design.
• The cargo terminal handles 22,000 MT annually with cold storage facilities.
• Located just 5 km from the railway station and 7 km from the bus stand.
• Future expansion planned at Bihta Air Force Station for larger aircraft.