PATNA, March 26 -- In a major push to enhance international connectivity, Bihar's civil aviation department on Wednesday floated a tender inviting bids from domestic airline operators to launch direct international flights from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport and Gaya International Airport to destinations, including Kathmandu, Sharjah, Bangkok, Colombo and Singapore, officials said. "In the initial phase, flights will operate on the Patna-Kathmandu sector and from Gaya to all five identified international destinations. Airlines will be required to operate services for a minimum of two days and up to seven days per week," said Nilesh Ramchandran Deore, special secretary in the civil aviation department. The tender is open to Indian carriers operating fixed-wing aircraft with a minimum seating capacity of 150 passengers for most routes. However, for the Patna-Kathmandu sector, smaller aircraft such as ATR-72 or Q-400, with seating capacity between 68 and 90 passengers, will also be permitted. To incentivise airlines, the state government has introduced a viability gap funding (VGF) model under its new destination policy. For the Patna-Kathmandu route, airlines operating 150-seater aircraft will receive Rs.5 lakh per round trip, while smaller aircraft will be eligible for Rs.2.5 lakh per round trip. For Gaya-based operations, VGF support has been fixed at Rs.5 lakh per round trip for Kathmandu and Rs.10 lakh per round trip each for Sharjah, Bangkok, Colombo and Singapore for 150-seater aircraft. "The Bihar government has approved the new destination policy to stimulate and facilitate the establishment of air services to new international destinations by providing VGF or incentives to kick-start such operations," said Deore. The financial support will initially be provided for six months, extendable by another six months based on performance. No additional support will be extended beyond the VGF component. "Contracts will be awarded to airlines quoting the lowest VGF. In case of a tie, selection will be based on factors such as flight frequency, aircraft type and seating capacity. There is no restriction on awarding multiple routes to a single bidder, provided it qualifies as the lowest bidder for each," said Deore. Selected airlines must commence operations within three months of receiving the letter of intent (LoI), with a maximum extension of up to six months subject to approval by the state's high-level aviation committee. Airlines will also be required to furnish a performance bank guarantee of Rs.5 lakh per route for six months, which may be encashed in case of premature discontinuation of services. Officials said the initiative is aimed at establishing seamless non-stop international connectivity and unlocking Bihar's tourism and investment potential. "This initiative will significantly enhance tourism potential and act as a catalyst for greater investment and economic growth in the state," Deore said, adding that the objective is to ensure sustainable international air connectivity from Patna and Gaya. The last date for submission of bids is April 15 (3 pm), with applications to be submitted via registered or speed post, courier, or by hand....