DELHI- Air India (AI) and Air India Express (IX) have announced 166 additional flights to and from Patna (PAT) to handle the surge in travel demand during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Between October 15 and November 3, 2025, the airlines will increase frequencies on key domestic routes connecting Patna with Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR), ensuring smoother travel options during the festive rush.
Air India to Operate 166 Flights to Patna
Air India will operate 114 additional flights between October 15 and November 2, 2025. This includes 38 extra services each on the Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Patna, and Bengaluru–Patna routes. The expansion complements the carrier’s existing 42 weekly flights linking Patna with Delhi and Mumbai.
Air India Express will further strengthen the network from October 22 to November 3, 2025, with 52 additional flights—26 each between Delhi–Patna and Bengaluru–Patna. This is in addition to its regular 14 weekly services connecting the same cities.
The increase aims to ease the heavy passenger movement typical of the Diwali and Chhath Puja period, offering travelers more flexibility and reducing congestion at major airports.
The expanded schedule not only improves domestic access to Patna but also enhances onward connectivity to international destinations via Air India’s hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Passengers can seamlessly connect to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, benefitting from synchronized schedules and coordinated services.
With both airlines under the Tata Group’s ownership, the integration of operations continues to align network planning, making it easier for travelers to book combined itineraries across Air India and Air India Express.
Strengthened Domestic and Int’l Connectivity
The expanded schedule not only improves domestic access to Patna but also enhances onward connectivity to international destinations via Air India’s hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Passengers can seamlessly connect to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, benefitting from synchronized schedules and coordinated services.
With both airlines under the Tata Group’s ownership, the integration of operations continues to align network planning, making it easier for travelers to book combined itineraries across Air India and Air India Express.
Booking and Availability
Tickets for the additional flights are available through the official websites and mobile apps of Air India and Air India Express, at airport and city ticketing offices, via 24×7 customer service centers, and through authorized travel agents.
Passengers are encouraged to book early, as demand is expected to remain high throughout the festive period.
Patna, the capital of Bihar, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Once known as Pataliputra, it was the heart of the Magadhan and Mauryan empires, where rulers like Chandragupta and Ashoka expanded their dominions.
Today, Patna (PAT) blends its rich historical legacy with the pulse of a growing modern city. Visitors flying in with IndiGo (6E), Air India (AI), or Akasa Air (QP) will find a destination that’s equal parts heritage, faith, and vibrant local life.
Patna Travel Guide
Set along the southern bank of the Ganges River (GAY), Patna’s story dates back to the 6th century BC. What began as Ajatasatru’s Magadhan capital evolved into the Mauryan Empire’s epicenter. The Royal Highway, built for Indo-Hellenic trade, later became the Grand Trunk Road—one of South Asia’s oldest trade routes.
The city revived under the Guptas in the 4th century AD and again under Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. Despite its modern sprawl, traces of these eras still define Patna’s identity—from ancient stupas to colonial architecture.
Walking through Patna is like moving through centuries. The sound of temple bells, the bustle of bazaars, and the hum of traffic coexist in a city that balances devotion with dynamism.
Top Things to Do in Patna
Experience the Sonepur Mela
Held every November near Sonepur, about 25 km north of Patna, this historic fair attracts traders, pilgrims, and visitors alike. It’s one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs, blending commerce with faith and festivities along the Gandak-Ganga confluence.
Visit Vaishali – Where Buddha Gave His Last Sermon
About 55 km north of Patna, Vaishali is sacred to Buddhists as the site of Buddha’s last sermon before attaining Mahaparinirvana. Archaeological remains and a small museum preserve the city’s spiritual heritage.
Explore Rajgir, the Land of Enlightenment
Eighty kilometres from Bodhgaya, Rajgir was once the capital of Magadha. Both Buddha and Mahavira meditated here. Its hot springs, temples, and rugged hills make it a major stop on the Buddhist and Jain pilgrimage routes.
Find Calm at Buddha Smriti Park
Located in central Patna, Buddha Smriti Park was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010. It houses sacred relics, a grand stupa, and saplings from Bodhgaya’s Bodhi Tree.
Climb the Iconic Golghar
Built in 1786 as a grain storage facility, the Golghar offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganges. A light and sound show held on weekends narrates the story of Patna and its historic transformation.
Step Inside the Gandhi Museum
A modest yet powerful collection of photographs, letters, and artefacts showcases Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his connection to Bihar’s freedom movement.
Admire Sculptures at the Patna Museum
The Patna Museum (Jadu Ghar) houses ancient Buddhist sculptures, a famous sandstone yakshi statue, and a massive fossilized tree estimated to be 200 million years old.
Visit Harimandir Sahib
This sacred Gurudwara in Haji Ganj marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Its marble domes and spiritual ambience make it one of Sikhism’s most revered sites.
Explore Qila House
Qila House, also known as Jalan Museum, features Mughal artefacts, Chinese paintings, and antiques, including Napoleon’s four-poster bed and Marie Antoinette’s porcelain.
See Saif Khan’s Mosque
Built in 1621, this “mosque of stone” blends Mughal and local architectural styles. It stands between Harimandir Sahib and Gandhi Maidan, quietly testifying to Patna’s layered religious history.
Where to Stay in Patna
- Old City (Chowk): Ideal for those seeking historic charm and proximity to traditional markets.
- Gandhi Maidan: Central location with easy access to major attractions and mid-range hotels.
- Boring Road: Patna’s lively shopping and dining district.
- Pataliputra Colony: Peaceful, upscale area along the river.
- Rajendra Nagar: Modern neighbourhood with good connectivity and mid-range stays.
Food and Nightlife
Patna’s dining scene mixes heritage flavours with urban energy.
- Frazer Road: Known for diverse eateries serving local favourites like litti-chokha and sattu paratha.
- Old City (Chowk): Best for authentic Bihari street food—ghugni, samosa, jalebi.
- Boring Road: Popular for cafes and bars with a youthful crowd.
- Bailey Road: Upscale restaurants and fine dining spots.
Getting Around the City
- Auto-Rickshaw: Affordable and available throughout the city.
- Cycle-Rickshaw: Eco-friendly and perfect for short rides.
- Bus: Covers most parts of Patna, though routes can be tricky for visitors.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing Apps: Ola and Uber are reliable for airport or hotel transfers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Patna is from October to February, right after the monsoon. November, in particular, draws visitors for the Sonepur Mela. Summers (March–June) can be hot and humid, while the monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain.
How to Reach Patna
- By Air: Patna Airport (PAT) connects to Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), Ranchi (IXR), and Lucknow (LKO) via Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air.
- By Train: Patna Junction and Patliputra Junction are the main stations, with express trains like Rajdhani Express (#12309) and Janshatabdi Express (#12024) linking to major Indian cities.
- By Road: National highways and the Grand Trunk Road connect Patna to nearby cities.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
