PURNEA- IndiGo Airlines (6E) and Star Air (S5) will launch direct flights from Purnea Airport (PUI) to Kolkata (CCU) and Ahmedabad (AMD) on September 15, 2025.
The flights begin the same day the airport is formally inaugurated under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, expanding Bihar’s air travel network.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalIndiGo and Star Air Purnea Flights
The Bihar government has outlined a plan to develop 15 airports across the state, a significant jump from the existing 3, at an estimated cost of $130 million (₹115 crore).
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary earlier stated that Purnea Airport would begin commercial operations within 3 months of the terminal building’s completion. A makeshift terminal has been set up to enable the first phase of passenger operations.
IndiGo (6E) will operate thrice weekly ATR aircraft services between Purnea and Kolkata every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
According to the schedule, Flight 6E 7924 will depart Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) at 12:30 PM and land at Purnea (PUI) at 1:40 PM. The return flight, 6E 7925, will depart at 2:30 PM and arrive in Kolkata at 3:40 PM.
This milestone makes IndiGo the first airline to begin commercial operations from Purnea, marking a new phase of connectivity for north Bihar.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAirlines Strengthen Connectivity
Star Air (S5) will also launch services between Ahmedabad (AMD) and Purnea (PUI) starting September 15, with flights operating 3 times a week.
The direct link is expected to improve travel convenience between Bihar and Gujarat’s economic hub, supporting both trade and passenger movement.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Sales at IndiGo, stated: “We are proud to further strengthen regional connectivity with the addition of Purnea to our network. An emerging centre for trade and industry, Purnea will now have direct flights to Kolkata. The introduction of air travel will strengthen the region’s infrastructure to support its agriculture and food processing sector as well.”
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalSignificance of UDAN Scheme
The launch of Purnea flights under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) initiative aligns with the government’s aim to make air travel accessible to smaller cities.
For Purnea, a hub for agriculture and food processing, improved connectivity will enhance supply chains and attract new business opportunities.
The region previously relied on distant airports at Patna (PAT), Gaya (GAY), and Darbhanga (DBR). With commercial flights from Purnea, residents gain direct access to major cities, reducing travel time and costs.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalContext of Purnea Airport
The existing airbase at Chunapur, 10 km from Purnea town, was established soon after the 1962 Indo-China war for defense use.
Civilian services were introduced in 1976 but suspended in 1978. Limited flights resumed in 2012 between Purnea and Patna, and Purnea and Kolkata, but were discontinued after one year due to low demand.
The 2024 inauguration marks the first full-scale civilian relaunch, with infrastructure in place to support sustained operations.
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