Bihar Approves Direct Gaya-Bangkok Flight

Bihar approved a proposal on 20 May 2026 for direct international flights between Gaya and Bangkok. The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, cleared the route for operation by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, which runs IndiGo Airlines. The service will run twice a week and will connect Gaya in Bihar with Bangkok in Thailand.

Route and Operator

InterGlobe Aviation Limited was selected as the sole bidder for the Gaya-Bangkok route. IndiGo Airlines will operate the bi-weekly service under the approved arrangement. Gaya Airport will handle the international connection, and Gaya will become the only town in Bihar with a regular direct international flight.

Viability Gap Funding

The state government sanctioned ₹10.40 crore as Viability Gap Funding for one year. The funding works out to ₹5 lakh per round trip for the airline. Viability Gap Funding is a public financial support mechanism used for transport and infrastructure projects that need assistance to remain operational.

Buddhist Tourism Link

Bodh Gaya is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar and is associated with the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thailand has a large Buddhist population, and direct air connectivity between Gaya and Bangkok is linked to travel for pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya and other religious sites in Bihar.

Economic and Transport Context

Air connectivity between Bihar and international destinations is limited compared with major Indian states. Direct international flights from Gaya can connect the state’s tourism, hospitality, transport, and handicrafts sectors with foreign visitors. The route is expected to support travel during the tourist season and improve access to Buddhist circuit destinations in Bihar.

Important Facts for Exams

• Gaya is a district headquarters in Bihar and is known for Bodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world.
• The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Viability Gap Funding is used in India to support projects that are financially unviable in the initial phase.
• IndiGo is the brand name of InterGlobe Aviation Limited, one of India’s largest airlines.

Tourism and Connectivity

The Gaya-Bangkok route is a direct international air link between Bihar and Thailand. The service is expected to begin before the next tourist season.