Patna Airport Commissions Third Aerobridge to Boost Passenger Experience
In a significant development aimed at enhancing the travel experience for flyers, the Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna has commissioned its third passenger boarding bridge, commonly known as an aerobridge. This new facility is linked to Boarding Gate Number 11 at the departure lounge of the new integrated terminal building, marking a key upgrade in the airport's infrastructure.
Immediate Operational Status and Regulatory Approval
The aerobridge became operational with immediate effect after receiving the necessary approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body. This swift implementation underscores the airport's commitment to improving services without delay.
First Flight to Utilize the New Aerobridge
The inaugural use of the newly commissioned aerobridge was by SpiceJet's flight SG-672, which operates on the Bengaluru-Patna sector. The aircraft, carrying 188 passengers, was efficiently parked at parking bay number 9 and successfully connected to the aerobridge. Following this, the return flight SG-674 on the Patna-Bengaluru sector departed with 187 passengers on board, demonstrating the facility's immediate impact on streamlining operations.
Benefits and Operational Efficiency
Airport director Chandra Pratap Dwivedi highlighted that the addition of this aerobridge is expected to streamline passenger movement significantly. Key benefits include:
- Reduced boarding and de-boarding time for passengers
- Enhanced overall operational efficiency at the airport
- Improved handling of rising passenger traffic
Dwivedi emphasized that these improvements are particularly crucial as passenger numbers continue to grow, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.
Background on Airport Upgrades and Terminal Development
The city airport has undergone substantial upgrades in recent years as part of the Bihar government's initiative to strengthen aviation connectivity. The new integrated terminal building, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2025, represents a major investment of around Rs 1,200 crore. Key features of this terminal include:
- A sprawling area of more than 65,000 square metres
- Designed capacity to handle up to 1 crore passengers annually
- Modern amenities such as expanded check-in counters, improved security systems, VIP lounges, and enhanced aircraft parking bays
Future Plans for Aerobridge Expansion
The terminal was originally planned with a total of five aerobridges to facilitate efficient aircraft operations. The timeline for these installations is as follows:
- The first aerobridge became operational with the opening of the terminal
- The second aerobridge was commissioned in November 2025
- The third aerobridge has now been added, as reported
Airport authorities had previously indicated that the remaining aerobridges would be commissioned in phases. Full operationalisation of all five aerobridges is expected by early 2026 to meet the growing demand from passengers and airlines.
Broader Modernisation Efforts and Current Status
These developments are aligned with broader modernisation efforts at the airport, which include an increase in aircraft parking stands. The total capacity has been expanded to 11 bays, further supporting efficient operations. Dwivedi confirmed that the remaining two aerobridges, along with their corresponding parking bays, are already complete and are awaiting final clearance from the DGCA for commissioning. This proactive approach ensures that the airport remains prepared for future growth and continues to enhance its services for travelers.
