Patna is set to see a major boost in flight connectivity this festive season, with Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express announcing a combined addition of 166 flights to and from the Bihar capital. The move comes in response to the sharp rise in travel demand around Diwali and Chhath Puja — among the busiest travel periods in eastern India.
From 15 October to 2 November, Air India will operate 114 extra flights, adding 38 services each on the Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Patna, and Bengaluru–Patna routes. The airline said these are in addition to its current schedule of 42 weekly flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
Air India Express will step up operations between 22 October and 3 November, introducing 52 extra flights — 26 each between Delhi and Patna, and Bengaluru and Patna. The budget carrier presently operates 14 weekly services connecting these cities.
The airlines said the expanded schedule aims to ease travel for passengers heading home for family gatherings and festive celebrations. Patna, being the primary gateway to Bihar and neighbouring regions, experiences one of the heaviest passenger inflows during this period.
Besides direct routes, travellers flying via Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru will also gain access to onward domestic and international connections, including destinations across the Middle East and Europe.
Tickets for the additional flights are available through Air India and Air India Express websites, mobile apps, call centers, airport counters, and authorised travel agents. |
