Gateway to Purnia and Seemanchal
About
Located on the western outskirts of Purnia (also spelled Purnea) in Bihar, India, near the Chunapur/Guasi area, Purnia Airport is a dual‑use facility transitioning from an Indian Air Force station to a civil–military airport to serve the Seemanchal and Kosi regions.
- City
- Purnia, Bihar, India
- Status
- Dual‑use (military/public) civil enclave under development
- Time Zone
- IST (UTC+5:30)
- Codes
- IATA: PXN · ICAO: VEPU
- Elevation
- ≈ 129 ft (39 m)
- Owner / Civil Ops
- Owned by IAF; civil operations coordinated via AAI
History & Development
Built by the Indian Air Force in the 1960s (post‑1962) to support logistics for the Northeast, with 14 Forward Base Support Unit formed in 1981. A civil enclave has been in progress for years; in 2025, AAI approved an interim terminal (~3,000 m², ~₹33–34 crore) with commercial operations commencing thereafter and expansion planned.
Facilities
- Interim terminal ≈ 3,000 m²; peak handling ≈ 300 passengers
- Prefabricated structure with ~6 check‑in counters, 2 boarding gates (phase‑1)
- Regional art integration (e.g., Manjusha, Madhubani Paintings, etc.) in interiors
- Single concrete runway (09/27). Operational Length: 2,743 m / 9,000 ft. Total Length (including Stopway/RESA): 3,352 m (≈ 11,000 ft).
- Airfield area - 120 acres.
- Apron, taxiway, security boundary, ground support; 4‑lane access road
Planned upgrades include more gates, belts, and a larger permanent terminal.
Flights
Commercial operations have begun from the interim terminal under the UDAN regional connectivity framework, with initial routes expected to include connections such as Kolkata and others ramping up over time.
- Check airline and AAI portals for live schedules and status
- Runway length supports A320/B737‑class narrow‑body aircraft
Arrivals (editable)
| Time | Flight | From | Airline | Aircraft | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:25 | 6E5935 | Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo | Airbus A320neo | Check status |
| 08:45 | S5-618 | Ahmedabad (AMD) | Star Air | Embraer ERJ 175 | Check status |
| 12:30 | S5-618 | Kolkata (CCU) | Star Air | Embraer ERJ 175 | Check status |
| 11:20 | 6E7924 | Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo | ATR 72 | Check status |
| 12:50 | 6E6559 | Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo | Airbus A320 | Check status |
Departures (editable)
| Time | Flight | To | Airline | Aircraft | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:25 | 6E5936 | Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo | Airbus A320neo | Check status |
| 09:30 | S5-619 | Kolkata (CCU) | Star Air | Embraer ERJ 175 | Check status |
| 13:10 | S5-619 | Ahmedabad (AMD) | Star Air | Embraer ERJ 175 | Check status |
| 12:00 | 6E7925 | Kolkata (CCU) | IndiGo | ATR 72 | Check status |
| 13:50 | 6E6560 | Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo | Airbus A320 | Check status |
Times are local.
Access
The airport is about 10 km from Purnia district HQ. A new ~930‑metre four‑lane access road improves connectivity from the city and nearby highways.
- Typical options: taxi, auto‑rickshaw, private vehicles
- Follow local signage and advisories, especially in peak hours/monsoon
- Use maps apps: search "Purnia Airport (VEPU/PXN)" for directions
FAQ
Is this the official website?
No. This is an informational page for quick reference. Verify time‑sensitive details with official sources.
What are the airport codes?
IATA: PXN · ICAO: VEPU.
When did commercial flights start?
Commercial operations started from the interim terminal in 2025 with a phased ramp‑up of routes and frequency.
Daily Movement Data
Passenger and flight movement statistics from daily operations.
Sources (summary)
- Wikipedia (overview, codes, history)
- Times of India, Economic Times, Indian Express (news updates)
- AAI references and regional news portals (infrastructure, timelines)
For precise links and the latest updates, consult official portals and current news reports.