The India Air Force (IAF) along with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has now connected Air Force Station Darbhanga in Bihar, to other major cities of the country with first passenger fight of Spice jet landing from Bengaluru on Sunday at 11:10 am. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft of the airliner had earlier got airborne from Bengaluru for Dharbhanga and left for Delhi at 12:30 hours. This has been possible after the closely coordinated actions by all the stake holders including the state administration.
The Indian Air Force’s Central Air Command (CAC) was entrusted the task of providing runway and other support services for commencing passenger flights from Dharbhanga as part of Government initiative of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) named UDAN or Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, which is aimed at making flying affordable and accessible for masses in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.To make Air Force Station Darbhanga ready for Civil Air Operation, the AAI undertook the works necessary for commencement of Civil Air Operation namely resurfacing of the runway, construction of civil terminus and enclave, construction of taxi-links and other passenger amenities.
The foundation stone for the civil works was laid on 24 December 2018. The Indian Air Force would be providing Air Traffic Control (ATC), Metrological and Communication Services for ensuring smooth operations.
Dharbhanga is now expected to get connected by air to other major cities of the country. The Spice Jet would also be operating its flight between Dharbhanga and Mumbai. Air Vice Marshal P.K. Mohey, Senior Officer Administration of CAC, had visited Air Force Station Dharbhanga on several occasions to oversee the preparation towards the commencement of Civil Air Operations.