Darbhanga Airport Clears Defence Hurdle for New Pilot Training School

Aspiring pilots in Bihar can soon receive local aviation training, as the Union defence ministry has granted a no-objection certificate to set up a Flying Training Organisation at Darbhanga airport.

Official Steps and Timeline

The Bihar government's civil aviation department confirmed the defence clearance in a November 5 letter to local MP Gopal Jee Thakur, noting that the approval was issued on September 1 following a state request made on May 14. This action follows a directive from Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary during an April 18 review meeting to promote the aviation sector, create jobs, and train local youth. Joint secretary Mohammad Rashid Hussain signed the communication confirming that work is now moving forward.

Local Impact and Airport Expansion

Gopal Jee Thakur, who serves as the Darbhanga airport advisory committee chairman and BJP Lok Sabha whip, called the move a major milestone for Mithila and north Bihar. He stated that the commercial pilot training institute will let young people train locally instead of traveling to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the state government reported that land acquisition of 90 acres is finished to extend the airport runway from 9,000 feet to 12,000 feet.

Infrastructure and Trade Plans

Authorities have also approved a revised budget of 225.91 crore rupees for a logistics park and cargo hub across nearly 50 acres near the airport. Thakur noted that this trade and agricultural facility will link the airport directly to the local economy.

Context

Darbhanga airport entered India's commercial aviation network on November 8, 2020, under the central government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Expanding regional airports with cargo hubs and training schools helps bring aviation jobs and education closer to smaller cities rather than limiting them to major metropolitan areas.