Bihar government approved a proposal for direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok

Bihar government approved a proposal for direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok

¨     Bihar government approved a proposal for direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok.

¨     The Bihar cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

¨     The route was approved for operation by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which operates IndiGo Airlines.

¨     The Gaya-Bangkok flight service will operate twice a week.

¨     The service will directly connect Gaya in Bihar with Bangkok in Thailand.

¨     Gaya will become the only town in Bihar with a regular direct international flight service.

¨     InterGlobe Aviation Limited was selected as the sole bidder for the route.

¨     The flights will be operated by IndiGo Airlines.

¨     Gaya Airport will handle the international flight operations.

¨     The Bihar government sanctioned ₹10.40 crore as Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for one year.

¨     The airline will receive ₹5 lakh per round trip as financial support.

¨     VGF is a public financial assistance mechanism used to support transport and infrastructure projects that require operational viability.

¨     Bodh Gaya is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

¨     The Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

¨     Thailand has a large Buddhist population, making the route important for Buddhist pilgrims.

¨     The flight service will improve access to Bodh Gaya and other religious destinations in Bihar.

¨     International air connectivity in Bihar remains limited compared to major Indian states.

¨     The new route is expected to benefit tourism, hospitality, transport, and handicrafts sectors in Bihar.

¨     Increased foreign tourist arrivals may strengthen the local economy.

¨     The service is expected to support the development of the Buddhist tourism circuit in Bihar.