Once A War Airbase, Now Open For Public? Bihar's Sabeya Airport Revival Gains Momentum

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 14:17 IST

Sabeya Airport in Gopalganj, once used for military aircraft during World War II, may soon reopen as its long-pending revival demand echoes in Parliament

The runway that once witnessed military aircraft landings during World War II may soon come back to life. Sabeya Airport in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, which has remained dormant for decades, is now at the centre of renewed efforts for revival, with its reopening demand echoing in Parliament.

During the Lok Sabha budget session, Gopalganj MP Dr Alok Kumar Suman strongly raised the issue and sought financial support from the central government to expedite the airport’s restoration. He urged authorities to fast-track development work, noting that Sabeya Airport is already included under the Centre’s ambitious UDAN scheme and should be made operational at the earliest.

A Historic Airport With Strategic Importance

Sabeya Airport has a rich and significant history. It was constructed by the British in 1868 across approximately 517 acres of land. Owing to its strategic location and proximity to China, it was considered sensitive and was utilised during World War II.

After Independence, the airport came under the control of the Ministry of Defence. However, over the years, it remained largely neglected and the land was left unused.

Renewed Efforts Under UDAN Scheme

Efforts to revive the airport have now gained momentum. Under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the development process has been accelerated.

The district administration has completed land record verification for nearly 432 acres of the airport land. The next step involves removing encroachments, following which full-scale development work will proceed.

Administrative Action And Boundary Construction

Currently, the airport remains under the Ministry of Defence. Construction of the boundary wall has already begun. Gopalganj District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Sinha recently confirmed that land documentation work has been completed and the process of encroachment removal and boundary construction will begin soon.

He stated that the district administration is extending full cooperation at every level. He also mentioned that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is personally monitoring the airport redevelopment project.

Political Support And Funding Initiatives

MP Dr Alok Kumar Suman, who also serves as the National Treasurer of the Janata Dal (United), raised the demand for reopening Sabea Airport in Parliament. He has initiated pillar construction for the boundary wall using funds from his MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.

According to Dr Suman, the Ministry of Defence is taking positive steps towards reopening the airport, and the Union Defence Minister has assured support. He added that both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary have promised during their visit to Gopalganj that the airport will be revived.

Transfer To Civil Aviation And Flight Operations

Once the boundary construction is completed, the land will be formally transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Following this transfer, airlines will be invited to bid for operating domestic flight services from the airport.

If all processes proceed as planned, flight operations are expected to commence in the next financial year.

Economic And Social Impact

The reopening of Sabeya Airport is expected to benefit millions of residents from Gopalganj and neighbouring Siwan district. More than 1.5 lakh people from these districts work abroad, particularly in Gulf countries.

Operational domestic flights will improve connectivity, boost trade and tourism, ease travel for migrant workers and their families, and contribute to increased government revenue.

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