NEW DELHI, Aug. 21 -- Bihar is gearing up for its most ambitious aviation expansion yet, with new airports, large-scale upgrades, and regional connectivity at the centre of its plan.

The state's chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena, a 1989 batch IAS officer and former coal secretary, in an interview, said the state wants to position itself as a hub for both domestic and international services in eastern India. Better air access, he said, would help attract manufacturers, expand exports, and create jobs.

"In 2005, Bihar had only two operational airports-Patna and Gaya-handling 4,788 aircraft movements a year and around 2.48 lakh passengers. By 2023-24, we reached 29,614 aircraft movements and 42.86 lakh passengers. This is not just about numb...