Visiting Purnea Airport, Bihar, India: Tickets, Hours, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Purnea Airport and Its Regional Significance

Purnea Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers from Purnea town in northeastern Bihar, is rapidly emerging as a key aviation hub for the Seemanchal region and neighboring districts. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), this modern civil enclave is set to transform regional air connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate local economic growth. Historically, residents of North Bihar and adjacent West Bengal districts had to rely on distant airports like Bagdogra. The establishment of Purnea Airport marks a pivotal shift, making air travel more accessible and supporting the area’s integration with national and global networks (SwarajyaMag, BiharSay).

Envisioned to accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually, Purnea Airport features state-of-the-art infrastructure including multiple aerobridges, a modern terminal, and dedicated cargo facilities. These developments are anticipated to generate employment, attract industries, and enhance opportunities for regional trade—especially the efficient export of local products like maize and jute (Jagran).

The airport offers a suite of passenger amenities—comfortable lounges, free Wi-Fi, accessible infrastructure, and seamless ground transportation. Operating daily from early morning to late evening, Purnea Airport provides ticket booking via airline websites, travel agents, and under the UDAN scheme for affordable and frequent flights (GoDigit).

Travelers can also experience the cultural richness of Purnea by visiting nearby attractions such as Purnea Fort and Kali Mandir. The ongoing expansion and focus on sustainability ensure that Purnea Airport will become a cornerstone of regional progress, blending modern aviation with local heritage (PurneaAirport.com).

Contents

Regional Impact and Economic Development

Strategic Location and Connectivity

Purnea Airport serves as a crucial transit point for North Bihar and parts of West Bengal, including districts like Kishanganj and Katihar. Previously underserved by air travel, the airport’s location drastically reduces travel times for local residents, businesses, and tourists (SwarajyaMag).

Economic Benefits

  • Employment Generation: Construction and operation of the airport have created numerous jobs across security, hospitality, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Industrial and Commercial Growth: Enhanced connectivity attracts industries such as agro-processing, textiles, and manufacturing, promoting regional investment.
  • Cargo and Trade: The airport’s cargo complex enables efficient export of agricultural produce and local goods, improving market access (Jagran).

Airport Facilities and Passenger Experience

Terminal Infrastructure

The terminal is designed for capacity and convenience, featuring five aerobridges, modular porta cabins for early operations, and permanent structures under development (SkyscraperCity). Passengers benefit from:

  • Spacious waiting lounges with charging points
  • Free Wi-Fi and real-time flight displays
  • Retail shops and food outlets, including local cuisine
  • Modern, accessible restrooms
  • Information and customer service counters

Accessibility

The airport is equipped with ramps, tactile flooring, and dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Multilingual signage and real-time information displays (Hindi, English, and local languages) ensure ease of navigation (International Airport Review).

Security and Safety

Advanced screening systems, CCTV surveillance, and emergency services are in place. First-aid centers and ambulance connectivity to local hospitals are available on site.


Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Transportation

Visiting Hours

  • Operational Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
  • Note: Flight schedules may vary by season; confirm timings prior to travel (GoDigit).

Ticket Booking

  • Online: Airline websites, authorized travel agencies, and the official airport portal.
  • UDAN Scheme: Subsidized fares and frequent flights available under this government initiative.
  • On-site Assistance: Information desks help with bookings and queries.

How to Reach Purnea Airport

  • By Road: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses connect the airport with Purnea city and nearby districts. The approach road is being upgraded for better accessibility (PatnaPress).
  • By Rail: Purnea Junction railway station is about 10 km away, offering regular train services to major cities.
  • Parking: Designated short- and long-term parking areas are available.

Nearby Attractions and Tourism

Purnea’s attractions complement the airport experience:

  • Purnea Fort: A historic site with Mughal and regional architectural elements.
  • Kali Mandir: A prominent temple known for its festivals and religious significance.
  • Purnea Museum: Showcasing artifacts related to the region’s history.
  • Local Markets: For authentic Bihar handicrafts and textiles (PurneaAirport.com).

Accommodation and Dining

  • Hotels: Hotel Heera Residency, Vibhuti Vaishnav Hotel, Hotel Anand, Hotel Vinayak.
  • Restaurants: FRIENDs Cafe ‘N Restro, Aroma Restaurant, Grand 13 Open Garden Cafe (Delhi Metro Times, Purnea Airport).

Future Infrastructure and UDAN Integration

The airport is being developed with a long-term vision, including sustainable design, multi-modal transport integration, and expanded cargo capacity. The UDAN scheme ensures affordable fares and increased routes, similar to the successful model at Darbhanga Airport (SwarajyaMag).

  • Investment: The civil enclave construction is budgeted at approximately ₹33.99 crore, with readiness targeted by June 2025 (BiharSay).
  • Expansion: Plans include service to additional cities and larger aircraft as demand grows (News4Nation).

Travel Tips for Purnea Airport Visitors

  • Arrival: Arrive early to allow time for security and check-in at this newly operational airport.
  • Weather: The climate is subtropical; pack accordingly and check for monsoon-related delays.
  • Currency: Carry sufficient Indian Rupees; digital payments are supported but may not be universal.
  • Cultural Respect: Dress modestly and observe local customs, particularly at religious sites.
  • Emergency: First-aid is available; inform staff in advance if you require special assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the airport’s operational hours?
A: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily; check the official website for seasonal variations.

Q: How can I book tickets?
A: Via airline websites, travel agencies, or the airport’s official portal.

Q: What transport options are available?
A: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, shuttle buses, and connections to Purnea Junction railway station.

Q: Are facilities available for differently-abled travelers?
A: Yes, including ramps, tactile flooring, and dedicated staff assistance.

Q: What are some must-visit attractions near the airport?
A: Purnea Fort, Kali Mandir, local museums, and markets.


Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Purnea Airport represents a transformative development for Bihar, offering modern amenities, seamless connectivity, and economic opportunities for the Seemanchal region. Travelers can expect a comfortable and efficient journey with accessible infrastructure, digital services, and convenient transportation. The airport’s proximity to historical and cultural sites like Purnea Fort and Kali Mandir further enhances its appeal as a gateway for heritage tourism. With its robust cargo handling capabilities and integration under the UDAN scheme, Purnea Airport is poised to drive inclusive growth and regional prosperity (SwarajyaMag, Jagran, PurneaAirport.com).

For real-time updates, ticket offers, and travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow official channels. Plan your journey to experience the dynamic growth of Bihar’s northeastern aviation landscape and discover the rich heritage of Purnea.


Sources and Further Reading


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Bihar

Ara–Chhapra Bridge
Ara–Chhapra Bridge
Barauni Refinery
Barauni Refinery
Indrapuri Barrage
Indrapuri Barrage
Jal Mandir
Jal Mandir
Kesaria Stupa
Kesaria Stupa
Magadh University
Magadh University
Munger Ganga Bridge (Shri Krishna Setu)
Munger Ganga Bridge (Shri Krishna Setu)
Nalanda Mahavihara
Nalanda Mahavihara
Patna Dental College
Patna Dental College
Purnea Airport
Purnea Airport
Shyama Surgical Sansthan
Shyama Surgical Sansthan
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Takht Sri Patna Sahib
Tomb Of Malik Ibrahim Bayu
Tomb Of Malik Ibrahim Bayu
Venuvana Vihara
Venuvana Vihara