Defence Ministry grants approval to establish Pilot Training Institute at Darbhanga Airport

The plan to establish a pilot training institute at Darbhanga Airport in Bihar is now moving towards reality. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Union Ministry of Defence has approved the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the establishment of a Flying Training Organisation (FTO).

In a letter written to Darbhanga MP Gopal Ji Thakur on November 5, the Civil Aviation Department of the Bihar Government confirmed that the Ministry of Defence issued this NOC on September 1 following a request from the state government. The department stated that further proceedings are being undertaken to establish the FTO at Darbhanga Airport as per the directions of the Chief Minister.

A letter issued by Joint Secretary-cum-Officer on Special Duty Mohammad Rashid Hussain mentions that Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had directed the department during a review meeting on April 18 this year. He had called for steps to be taken to establish an FTO at Darbhanga Airport to promote the aviation sector, generate employment, and provide aviation training opportunities to the youth of the state.

Following these directions, the Civil Aviation Department contacted the Union Ministry of Defence on May 14 seeking the necessary consent and NOC, which was received via a letter dated September 1.

Gopal Ji Thakur, Chairman of the Darbhanga Airport Advisory Committee and BJP Lok Sabha Whip, has described this development as a significant milestone for Mithila and North Bihar. In a press statement, he stated that the proposed Commercial Pilot Training Institute will open new opportunities for local youth and reduce their dependence on training facilities in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. This initiative will enable talented regional youth to build careers in commercial aviation and gain recognition at national and international levels.

The state government's letter further stated that the land acquisition of 90 acres for the expansion of Darbhanga Airport's runway has been completed. The current length of the runway is approximately 9,000 feet, which is proposed to be increased to 12,000 feet, thereby strengthening the airport's infrastructure and operational capacity.

MP Thakur also provided information regarding the development of a logistics park and cargo hub over an area of approximately 49.99 acres near the airport, for which a revised administrative approval of ₹225.91 crore has been granted. This facility will help connect the airport with the region's trade and agricultural economy.

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regional connectivity scheme 'UDAN', Gopal Ji Thakur said that this scheme has placed Darbhanga on the country's aviation map. Commercial flight operations from this airport commenced on November 8, 2020.