Darbhanga airport cleared for defence pilot training institute

The Darbhanga airport has secured approval from the defence ministry to set up a pilot training institute, a development expected to boost aviation capabilities in Bihar and the broader eastern region. The clearance represents a major step toward expanding the airport's operational scope beyond commercial services.

Gopal Jee Thakur, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha whip and chairman of the Darbhanga airport advisory committee, hailed the ministry's decision as a significant milestone for the district. The training institute is expected to serve defence forces' requirements while potentially creating employment opportunities in the region.

The initiative aligns with the government's broader push to develop aviation infrastructure across smaller cities and towns. The Darbhanga airport, located in north Bihar, has been undergoing modernization efforts to enhance its facilities and operational capacity in recent years.

The establishment of a defence pilot training institute at the facility is anticipated to strengthen India's aviation training infrastructure while contributing to the region's economic development. Further details regarding the timeline and scope of the institute's establishment are expected to be announced by relevant authorities.