{"id":117055,"date":"2025-10-14T20:43:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T15:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=117055"},"modified":"2025-10-14T20:43:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T15:13:42","slug":"air-india-group-to-operate-166-more-flights-to-patna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/14\/air-india-group-to-operate-166-more-flights-to-patna\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Group to Operate 166 More Flights to One of the Oldest Cities in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DELHI-<\/strong> Air India (AI)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India to Operate 166 Flights to Patna<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India will operate 114 additional flights between October 15 and November 2, 2025. This includes 38 extra services each on the Delhi<\/a>\u2013Patna, Mumbai\u2013Patna, and Bengaluru\u2013Patna routes. The expansion complements the carrier\u2019s existing 42 weekly flights linking Patna with Delhi and Mumbai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India Express will further strengthen the network from October 22 to November 3, 2025, with 52 additional flights\u201426 each between Delhi\u2013Patna and Bengaluru\u2013Patna. This is in addition to its regular 14 weekly services connecting the same cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expanded schedule not only improves domestic access to Patna but also enhances onward connectivity to international destinations via Air India\u2019s hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers can seamlessly connect to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, benefitting from synchronized schedules and coordinated services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With both airlines under the Tata Group\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Strengthened Domestic and Int’l Connectivity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The expanded schedule not only improves domestic access to Patna but also enhances onward connectivity to international destinations via Air India\u2019s hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers can seamlessly connect to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, benefitting from synchronized schedules and coordinated services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With both airlines under the Tata Group\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: avgeekwithlens\/ Harsh Tekriwal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Booking and Availability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers are encouraged to book early, as demand is expected to remain high throughout the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s equal parts heritage, faith, and vibrant local life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golghar Patna | Photo: Rakesh | PixaHive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Patna Travel Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set along the southern bank of the Ganges River (GAY), Patna\u2019s story dates back to the 6th century BC. What began as Ajatasatru\u2019s Magadhan capital evolved into the Mauryan Empire\u2019s epicenter. The Royal Highway, built for Indo-Hellenic trade, later became the Grand Trunk Road\u2014one of South Asia\u2019s oldest trade routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s identity\u2014from ancient stupas to colonial architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Things to Do in Patna<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Experience the Sonepur Mela<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Held every November near Sonepur, about 25 km north of Patna, this historic fair attracts traders, pilgrims, and visitors alike. It\u2019s one of Asia\u2019s largest cattle fairs, blending commerce with faith and festivities along the Gandak-Ganga confluence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Vaishali \u2013 Where Buddha Gave His Last Sermon<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

About 55 km north of Patna, Vaishali is sacred to Buddhists as the site of Buddha\u2019s last sermon before attaining Mahaparinirvana. Archaeological remains and a small museum preserve the city\u2019s spiritual heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Rajgir, the Land of Enlightenment<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find Calm at Buddha Smriti Park<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Bodhi Tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climb the Iconic Golghar<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step Inside the Gandhi Museum<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A modest yet powerful collection of photographs, letters, and artefacts showcases Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s life and his connection to Bihar\u2019s freedom movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire Sculptures at the Patna Museum<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Harimandir Sahib<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s most revered sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Qila House<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Qila House, also known as Jalan Museum, features Mughal artefacts, Chinese paintings, and antiques, including Napoleon\u2019s four-poster bed and Marie Antoinette\u2019s porcelain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Saif Khan\u2019s Mosque<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Built in 1621, this \u201cmosque of stone\u201d blends Mughal and local architectural styles. It stands between Harimandir Sahib and Gandhi Maidan, quietly testifying to Patna\u2019s layered religious history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay in Patna<\/h4>\n\n\n\n