IndiGo to start Kolkata-Purnea flights from September 15, first airline at new airport

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IndiGo will launch direct flights connecting Kolkata and Purnea from September 15, marking the start of commercial operations from the newly developed Purnea airport in Bihar. The airline will operate three flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using ATR aircraft. With this addition, Purnea becomes IndiGo’s 94th domestic and 137th overall destination, and the fourth city in Bihar to join the carrier’s network after Patna, Gaya and Darbhanga. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by IndiGo on Tuesday.

Strengthening eastern connectivity

The new service is designed to improve travel options for passengers from Bihar's Seemanchal region, providing direct access to Kolkata, eastern India's largest aviation hub. From Kolkata, travellers can connect seamlessly to IndiGo's wider domestic and international routes.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Sales at IndiGo, said the launch underscored the airline’s focus on expanding regional air links. “We are proud to strengthen connectivity with the addition of Purnea to our growing network. As the first airline to operate from this new airport, we reaffirm our commitment to making air travel more affordable and accessible while unlocking opportunities in Tier-II and Tier-III cities,” he said in the press release.

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Boost to regional economy

The commercial debut of Purnea airport comes under the government's UDAN regional connectivity scheme, aimed at linking underserved locations. Officials expect the new link to support the region's agriculture and food processing industries, while also boosting its emerging healthcare and education sectors.

Air connectivity is also likely to encourage trade and tourism in eastern Bihar, which has so far been dependent on road and rail networks for long-distance travel.