Bihar is preparing to enter a new era of air connectivity as Star Air announces the launch of its first direct flight service between Ahmedabad and Purnia. Coinciding with the inauguration of Purnia Airport, this initiative marks a crucial step under the Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible across the country.
The airline will operate the route using a 76-seater Embraer E-175 aircraft, offering passengers a convenient option to travel directly between Gujarat’s business capital and Bihar’s emerging hub. The maiden flight is scheduled to take off from Ahmedabad at 12:15 PM and land in Purnia at 2:45 PM, with the return flight departing at 3:15 PM and reaching Ahmedabad by 5:45 PM.
Regular Flight Operations to Begin in September
Following the ceremonial launch, Star Air will begin scheduled services from September 29, 2025, operating three times a week—on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This frequency is expected to gradually increase depending on passenger demand and regional growth.
For business travelers, the connection provides easier access to trade and investment opportunities in both regions. Leisure travelers will benefit equally, with Gujarat’s residents gaining a direct entry point into Bihar’s cultural and historical offerings, while residents of Bihar will enjoy improved access to western India’s thriving economic and tourist circuits.
Purnia Airport: A Gateway to North-East Bihar
The launch of Purnia Airport is more than just an infrastructural development; it is a catalyst for regional growth. Designed with a passenger handling capacity of up to 300 travelers during peak hours, the airport is expected to transform accessibility in the Seemanchal and Kosi regions of north-eastern Bihar.
This part of the state, though rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, has remained underexplored due to limited connectivity. With Purnia now linked to major cities, the region is poised to attract a larger share of domestic tourists. The airport will act as a bridge to important destinations across Bihar, including Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Bodh Gaya, which are central to India’s Buddhist tourism circuit.
Boost to Bihar’s Tourism Potential
Bihar has long been recognized as a land of profound history and spirituality, with attractions ranging from the ancient Nalanda University ruins to the world-renowned Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Yet, limited accessibility has often hindered tourism growth.
With Purnia Airport operational, visitors will be able to explore not only iconic sites but also lesser-known treasures such as the Mahavir Mandir and eco-tourism opportunities in the Kosi river basin. This development aligns with the state’s efforts to diversify tourism by promoting heritage travel, rural tourism, and eco-friendly experiences.
The enhanced connectivity will also open doors for inbound tourism from neighboring states, creating synergies with Jharkhand, West Bengal, and the northeastern region.
Economic Opportunities and Local Development
Air connectivity does not just move people; it drives economies. The introduction of direct flights is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Purnia and surrounding districts. Increased tourist arrivals will create demand for better infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
Local artisans and entrepreneurs stand to gain from new markets, as tourist spending will encourage handicrafts, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Additionally, improved logistics could encourage industries such as agriculture and small-scale manufacturing to expand, supported by faster transport of goods.
The government anticipates that this investment in infrastructure will trigger private participation, encouraging investors to tap into Bihar’s growing tourism and service sectors.
National Aviation Growth under UDAN
The Ahmedabad–Purnia route is part of the broader UDAN scheme, which has successfully expanded India’s aviation map by connecting underserved regions. By making air travel accessible to smaller towns, UDAN bridges the urban-rural divide and fosters inclusive growth.
Purnia Airport is one of the latest additions to this ambitious project, and its inauguration reflects India’s continued commitment to regional development through aviation. The scheme not only enhances travel convenience but also positions aviation as a driver of employment, trade, and tourism.
Prospects for Future Expansion
While Star Air is the first to launch flights to Purnia, other airlines are expected to follow suit. Major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and AirAsia are reportedly exploring possible connections to the new airport, which could soon see flights linking it to metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
If realized, these expansions will make Purnia a central node in Bihar’s aviation network, ensuring that the state gains greater visibility on India’s tourism map. With more routes and higher passenger volumes, the airport will likely evolve into a regional travel hub within the next decade.
A New Era for Bihar’s Tourism and Connectivity
The inauguration of Purnia Airport and Star Air’s Ahmedabad–Purnia service represents more than just the launch of a new flight. It symbolizes Bihar’s readiness to embrace the future of tourism and economic growth.
By bridging the gap between western and eastern India, this initiative enhances cultural exchange, promotes tourism, and creates opportunities for local communities. For travelers, it means easier access to Bihar’s heritage, nature, and spirituality. For the state, it means a brighter, more connected future.
As Purnia Airport opens its doors, Bihar is set to welcome visitors with renewed vigor, proving that connectivity is the key to unlocking hidden treasures and creating lasting growth.
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