Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves Patna, the capital of Bihar, India. Named after a famous independence activist, it’s a key transport hub for the region. The airport ranks as the 15th busiest in India and is currently undergoing a major expansion project.

The airport connects Patna to major cities across India. It offers both domestic and international flights, making travel easier for locals and tourists alike. The Airports Authority of India is working hard to improve the airport’s facilities and capacity.

Travelers can easily reach the city center from the airport. It’s about 18 km away, and people can use taxis or government bus services to get there. The airport also has modern amenities to make the journey comfortable for passengers.

History and Infrastructure

Jay Prakash Narayan Airport has grown over time to meet rising travel needs. Its growth covers both physical changes and new services for passengers.

Development and Expansion

The airport began as a small facility and has grown bigger over the years. It is now India’s 15th busiest airport. To handle more travelers, the airport is getting bigger.

The Airports Authority of India is working on a big upgrade project. This project will make the airport modern and able to serve more people. A key part of this work is building a new passenger terminal.

The new terminal will have two levels. It will give travelers more space and better services. This expansion will help the airport keep up with the growing number of people who want to fly to and from Patna.

Terminal Information

The airport has one main terminal building for passengers. This building handles both arriving and departing flights. Inside, travelers can find check-in counters, security checks, and waiting areas.

The terminal has basic amenities for travelers. These include food outlets and shops. As part of the upgrade project, the airport will get a new, bigger terminal. This new terminal will offer more services and comfort to passengers.

The expansion aims to improve the travel experience. It will add more space for planes to park and for passengers to move around. These changes will help the airport serve travelers better as it continues to grow.

Airline Operations and Destinations

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves as a key hub for air travel in Bihar. It offers a range of domestic flights and is working towards expanding its international routes.

Domestic and International Flights

The airport mainly handles domestic flights to major Indian cities. Popular destinations include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. These routes connect Patna to India’s largest metropolitan areas.

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate the most flights from PAT. GoAir and Vistara also serve the airport with regular routes.

International flights are limited. The airport is working on expanding its global reach. Plans are in place to add flights to nearby countries like Nepal and Thailand.

Major Airlines and Routes

Air India offers regular service to Delhi and Mumbai from PAT. IndiGo flies to multiple cities including Kolkata and Bangalore.

SpiceJet connects Patna to Delhi and other regional destinations. GoAir and Vistara provide additional options for domestic travel.

The busiest route from PAT is to Delhi, with multiple daily flights. Mumbai and Kolkata are also popular destinations with frequent service.

Plans for future routes include:

Kathmandu, Nepal
Bangkok, Thailand
Dubai, UAE

These new routes aim to boost PAT’s international connectivity.

Passenger Services and Amenities

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport offers a range of services to meet traveler needs. Passengers can find assistance with check-in, enjoy food options, and access various transport choices.

Check-In and Baggage

The airport has 10 check-in counters with CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment) facilities. This system helps speed up the check-in process. Travelers should arrive early to allow time for security checks.

Baggage services are available for passengers who need help. The airport staff can assist with lost or damaged luggage issues. It’s best to keep valuables and important items in carry-on bags.

Food and Retail Options

Hungry travelers can find food at the airport cafeteria. It serves snacks, tea, and light meals. The options may be limited compared to larger airports.

Duty-free shops offer products for purchase. Passengers can buy last-minute gifts or travel essentials. ATMs are on-site for cash needs.

A currency exchange service is available. This is helpful for international travelers needing Indian rupees.

Transport and Accessibility

The airport is about 5 km from Patna Junction railway station. Several transport options connect the airport to the city.

Taxis are available at the arrival gate. Uber has a service counter for easy pick-ups. Government buses also run between the airport and city.

Car rental facilities are offered for those who prefer to drive. This gives travelers more freedom to explore Patna and the surrounding areas.

The airport provides services for passengers with special needs. Staff can assist with mobility and other requirements to ensure a comfortable journey.

Operational Information and Statistics

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport handles a large volume of flights and passengers. The airport faces some challenges with delays and infrastructure.

Airport Traffic and Rankings

Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport is the 15th busiest airport in India. In recent years, it has seen steady growth in passenger traffic. The airport handles both domestic and international flights.

On average, the airport sees about 59 flights per day. The average flight distance is 1,023 km.

Flight delays are common at the airport. About 18% of flights experience delays, with an average delay time of 62 minutes. For departures, 38% of flights face delays.

Customer Experience and Feedback

The airport is working to improve its facilities and services. The Airports Authority of India is expanding and modernizing the infrastructure. This includes building a new two-level passenger terminal.

Weather can impact flights at the airport. Passengers should check flight status before traveling. For delayed or cancelled flights, travelers may be eligible for compensation up to 600€ in some cases.

The airport aims to enhance the overall travel experience. Improvements to arrivals and departures areas are planned. These changes should help manage increasing passenger traffic and reduce delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patna Airport has undergone significant changes in recent years. These updates have impacted its operations, facilities, and future plans.

What are the international destinations currently served by Patna Airport?

Patna Airport does not currently serve any international destinations. It mainly handles domestic flights within India.

What is the official opening date for the new terminal at Patna Airport?

The exact opening date for the new terminal has not been officially announced. Construction is ongoing, and it’s expected to increase passenger capacity significantly.

What is the length of the runway at Patna Airport after the recent expansion?

The runway length at Patna Airport has not been recently expanded. It remains at its original length of 2,286 meters (7,500 feet).

Can you provide the IATA code for Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport?

The IATA code for Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport is PAT. This code is used on flight tickets and baggage tags.

When was the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport officially commissioned?

The airport has been operational for many years, but it was renamed to Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in 2015. The original commissioning date predates this renaming.