Bihar, India’s third-most populous state with nearly 140 million residents, continues to struggle due to the lack of direct international flights. To date, no regular international flights operate from the state, forcing thousands of Bihari migrants and their families to undertake exhausting 15–20 hour journeys to reach overseas destinations.
The issue is not just about convenience—it affects time, health, dignity, and family responsibilities.
A large-scale movement has now emerged demanding direct international connectivity. Rafiq Ahmed, a resident of Siwan who has worked in Gulf countries for the past 14 years, is among the key leaders of the campaign. Rafiq emphasizes, “This campaign is not about my personal ambition; it is the collective voice of millions of Bihari migrants.”
Rafiq first wrote about the need for direct international flights from Bihar in 2014. Through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, he tried to ascertain the number of Biharis working abroad and the state’s international connectivity policy. However, he received neither clear data nor concrete answers.
“Nearly 4 million Biharis travel to Gulf countries regularly or permanently,” Rafiq said. “If direct flights from Bihar were available, they would gain convenient connectivity. These migrants not only support their families but also contribute billions of rupees to the Indian economy through remittances.”
Activist Meraj Khan, also part of the movement, added: “The debate is not just about numbers. The real question is why a state with such a large migrant population has been deprived of direct international connectivity.”
Currently, migrants from Bihar must first travel to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad before boarding international flights. This journey often exceeds 15–20 hours, involving long waits, crowds, extra expenses, and fatigue. Supporters argue this is a matter of health, time, respect, and human dignity—not just convenience.
In recent months, social media has amplified the issue, transforming it from an individual initiative into a collective demand. Biharis in Gulf countries and their families are actively supporting the campaign, with organizations in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain joining in solidarity.
Key Demands of the Campaign
- At least 1–2 direct international flights per week from Bihar.
- Priority for Gulf countries.
- Clear, time-bound plans for Bihta Airport or other alternate locations.
Supporters point out that if smaller states and cities have international flights, it is unfair to deprive a large, labor-intensive state like Bihar.
During a Rajya Sabha discussion, the Union Civil Aviation Minister stated, “Patna Airport is technically ready for international flights, but operations will begin only when they are economically viable for airlines.”
MP Dr. Bhim Singh added that initiating international flights from Bihar would boost convenience, trade, tourism, and investment.
Under the UDAN International scheme, 18 international routes have been proposed, including destinations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The initiative aims to enhance air connectivity to Tier-2 cities and major states.
International support has also emerged. The President of the Eurasia Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Insaaf Times: “We are concerned about this issue and request the Indian government to ensure direct flights from Bihar to Gulf countries, providing convenience to millions and enabling them to contribute to India’s economic empowerment. Direct flights should also be launched to other international destinations where Biharis reside for education and work.”
The Eurasia Chamber will meet representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Bihar’s Chief Minister’s Office, and IndiGo Airlines in February. In April, a delegation will visit Gulf countries to engage with Indian organizations, individuals, and embassies to address the issue. The Chamber has also appealed to NRIs in the Gulf to support and participate in the campaign to expedite direct flights.
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Patna Airport has seen significant upgrades in recent years, including extended runways, modern terminals, and improved security. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has completed modernization in multiple phases, and airlines are being encouraged to consider international routes.
Residents in the Gulf note, “Bihar is not just a number. It is Magadh—the birthplace of democracy; Nalanda—the world-renowned center of learning; and the land of Lord Buddha and Mahavir. Yet today, it lags in facilities and opportunities due to lack of global connectivity.”
The demand for direct international flights from Bihar has now become a serious issue at local, national, and international levels. With mass mobilization, political support, and international cooperation, Bihar may soon appear on the global aviation map. Rafiq Ahmed concludes, “This fight is not against any government or individual. It is for future generations, so they do not have to endure the struggles millions of Bihari families face today.”
