Air India Group Expands with 166 Additional Flights to Historic City

DELHI- Air India (AI) and Air India Express (IX) have unveiled plans for 166 additional flights to and from Patna (PAT) to cater to the rising travel demand during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities.

From October 15 to November 3, 2025, these airlines will ramp up operations on crucial domestic routes linking Patna with Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR), ensuring that travelers have smoother options amidst the holiday rush.

Air India to Operate 166 Flights to Patna

Air India plans to operate 114 additional flights from October 15 to November 2, 2025. This includes 38 extra flights each on the Delhi-Patna, Mumbai-Patna, and Bengaluru-Patna routes. This addition complements the existing 42 weekly flights linking Patna with Delhi and Mumbai.

Air India Express will further enhance its network from October 22 to November 3, 2025, introducing 52 additional flights—26 from Delhi-Patna and 26 from Bengaluru-Patna. This is in addition to its regular 14 weekly services connecting these cities.

The aim is to alleviate the heavy passenger traffic typical during Diwali and Chhath Puja, offering more flexibility and reducing congestion at major airports.

This expanded schedule not only enhances domestic access to Patna but also boosts the connection to international destinations via Air India’s hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Travelers can easily connect to various destinations across the Middle East and Europe, benefitting from synchronized schedules and coordinated services.

Both airlines, now part of the Tata Group, continue to align their operations, simplifying the booking process for travelers wanting to plan itineraries across Air India and Air India Express.

Strengthened Domestic and International Connectivity

This upgrade not only improves local access to Patna but also enhances onward connectivity to international destinations through Air India’s hubs.

Passengers can effortlessly connect to the Middle East and Europe with coordinated schedules that make travel easy.

The integration of operations under Tata Group continues to streamline booking processes for travelers utilizing Air India and Air India Express.

Booking and Availability

Travelers can book tickets for these additional flights via the official websites and mobile apps of Air India and Air India Express, at airports, city ticketing offices, 24/7 customer service centers, or through authorized travel agents.

Given the expected high demand during the holiday season, early booking is highly recommended.

Patna, the capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Formerly known as Pataliputra, it played a pivotal role during the Magadha and Mauryan empires, hosting rulers like Chandragupta and Ashoka.

Today, Patna (PAT) harmonizes its rich history with the vibrancy of a modern city. Visitors arriving via IndiGo (6E), Air India (AI), or Akasa Air (QP) will experience a blend of historical heritage, faith, and lively local culture.

Patna Travel Guide

Located along the southern bank of the Ganges River (GAY), Patna’s history stretches back to the 6th century BC. Initially serving as Ajatasatru’s capital of Magadha, it became the heart of the Mauryan Empire.

The Royal Highway, initially created for Indo-Hellenic trade, evolved into the Grand Trunk Road, one of South Asia’s oldest trade routes.

Patna saw a revival under the Guptas in the 4th century AD and again in the 16th century under Sher Shah Suri. Despite modern developments, remnants of its past continue to shape Patna’s identity, featuring ancient stupas and colonial structures.

Wandering through Patna feels like traveling through various epochs. The sounds of temple bells, busy markets, and city traffic coexist, showcasing a balance of devotion and energy.

Top Things to Do in Patna

Experience the Sonepur Mela

Each November, the historic Sonepur Mela near Sonepur, about 25 km north of Patna, attracts traders, pilgrims, and visitors. Known as one of Asia’s largest cattle fairs, it combines commerce with faith alongside the Gandak-Ganga confluence.

Visit Vaishali – Where Buddha Gave His Last Sermon

Located approximately 55 km north of Patna, Vaishali is a significant Buddhist site, where Buddha delivered his last sermon. Archaeological remnants and a small museum preserve its spiritual history.

Explore Rajgir, the Land of Enlightenment

About 80 km from Bodhgaya, Rajgir was a former capital of Magadha, where both Buddha and Mahavira meditated. Its hot springs, temples, and hilly terrain make it an important stop for Buddhist and Jain pilgrims.

Find Calm at Buddha Smriti Park

Buddha Smriti Park, inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010, is located centrally in Patna. It features sacred relics, a massive stupa, and saplings from Bodhgaya’s iconic Bodhi Tree.

Climb the Iconic Golghar

Constructed in 1786 as a grain storage facility, Golghar offers breathtaking views of the city and the Ganges. A light and sound show on weekends narrates Patna’s historical evolution.

Step Inside the Gandhi Museum

A modest yet impactful collection of photographs, letters, and artifacts showcases Mahatma Gandhi’s life and connection to Bihar’s freedom movement.

Admire Sculptures at the Patna Museum

The Patna Museum (Jadu Ghar) boasts ancient Buddhist sculptures, a renowned sandstone yakshi statue, and an enormous fossilized tree estimated to be 200 million years old.

Visit Harimandir Sahib

This revered Gurudwara in Haji Ganj marks the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Its marble domes and serene atmosphere make it a significant place of worship.

Explore Qila House

Qila House, or Jalan Museum, features Mughal artifacts, Chinese art, and antiques, including Napoleon’s four-poster bed and Marie Antoinette’s porcelain.

See Saif Khan’s Mosque

Built in 1621, this mosque seamlessly blends Mughal and local architectural styles. It resides between Harimandir Sahib and Gandhi Maidan, quietly reflecting Patna’s diverse religious heritage.

Where to Stay in Patna

• Old City (Chowk): Ideal for those who appreciate historic charm and closeness to traditional markets.
• Gandhi Maidan: Centrally located with easy access to attractions and medium-range hotels.
• Boring Road: A vibrant shopping and dining district in Patna.
• Pataliputra Colony: A peaceful, upscale area along the river.
• Rajendra Nagar: A modern neighborhood offering good connectivity and mid-range accommodations.

Food and Nightlife

Patna’s culinary scene melds traditional flavors with urban vitality.

• Frazer Road: Noted for various eateries serving local delights like litti-chokha and sattu paratha.
• Old City (Chowk): The prime spot for authentic Bihari street food—ghugni, samosa, jalebi.
• Boring Road: Favored for its cafés and bars catering to a youthful crowd.
• Bailey Road: Home to upscale restaurants and fine dining venues.

Getting Around the City

• Auto-Rickshaw: Affordable and widely available throughout Patna.
• Cycle-Rickshaw: An eco-friendly option for short distances.
• Bus: Covers most parts of Patna, though routes may be complex for newcomers.
• Taxi/Ride-hailing Apps: Reliable options like Ola and Uber are available for airport and hotel transfers.

Best Time to Visit

The most favorable time to visit Patna is from October to February, following the monsoon season. November draws many visitors for the Sonepur Mela. Summers (March–June) can be hot and humid, while the monsoon (June–September) brings intense rainfall.

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 primary stations, with express trains like Rajdhani Express (#12309) and Janshatabdi Express (#12024) linking to major cities across India.
• By Road: National highways and the Grand Trunk Road provide access from nearby cities.