Sabeya Airport is a small but important airport located in the Gopalganj district of Bihar, India. Though it is not yet fully developed for regular passenger flights, there is growing interest in making this airport fully operational in the near future. Once completed, Sabeya Airport could become a major hub for air travel in northern Bihar. It would help boost development, improve transportation, and open up new job opportunities in the region.
Where is Sabeya Airport?
Sabeya Airport is situated near the small town of Hathua in the Gopalganj district. It lies in the northern part of Bihar, close to the border with Uttar Pradesh. The exact location of the airport is about 30 kilometers from the district headquarters of Gopalganj. It is also well-connected to other nearby cities like Siwan, Bettiah, and Chapra.
The airport is owned by the Defence Ministry of India, as it was originally built for military use during World War II. For many years, it remained unused and closed to the public. However, over the past decade, people have been demanding its revival for civilian use.
History of Sabeya Airport
Sabeya Airport has an interesting history. It was built during World War II by the British Army. At that time, the airport was used for military aircraft to land and take off. After the war ended, the airport slowly became inactive. For many years, it was maintained by the Indian Air Force but was not used for any major purpose.
In the early 2000s, local leaders and residents started asking the central government to reopen the airport. Their argument was that the region lacked proper air connectivity and that a working airport could help in many ways. The government took note, and several surveys were done to check whether the airport could be revived.
Current Status of Sabeya Airport
As of now, Sabeya Airport is not yet open to the public. It is still under the control of the Defence Ministry. However, the Government of India and the Bihar state government have shown interest in developing it under the UDAN scheme. UDAN stands for “Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik,” a program launched to make air travel affordable and accessible for common people, especially in smaller towns and remote areas.
In recent years, officials have conducted feasibility studies to see how much it would cost to develop the airport. There is hope that work on the airport will begin soon if all necessary approvals are given.
Importance of Sabeya Airport
Many people believe that restarting Sabeya Airport would bring big benefits to the region. Here are a few key reasons why:
1. Better Transportation
People in Gopalganj and nearby districts often travel long distances by train or road to reach airports in Patna or Gorakhpur. If Sabeya Airport becomes operational, they will save both time and money. It would make travel easier, especially for students, workers, and elderly people.
2. Economic Growth
An airport brings jobs and business. From taxi drivers to hotel owners, many people could benefit. Small businesses could reach new markets, and more visitors would come to the region. Over time, this could lead to better roads, more shops, and an overall improvement in the area.
3. Medical Emergencies
In medical emergencies, quick transport is very important. A working airport could allow faster movement of patients to big hospitals in Delhi, Patna, or Lucknow. It could also help doctors and medical supplies reach villages more easily.
4. Boost to Tourism
The region around Sabeya has historical and religious importance. Places like Thawe Mandir, Durga Mandir, and Kushinagar are not far away. Tourists from other parts of India or even from abroad could visit these places more easily if an airport is nearby.
Public Demand and Political Support
The demand to reopen Sabeya Airport has been raised many times in the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Parliament. Local MPs and MLAs have spoken about it and even met central ministers to push the project forward.
In recent years, there have been reports that the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other government bodies have surveyed the site. However, there are challenges too, especially because the land is owned by the Defence Ministry. Getting approval from all departments takes time, and funds must be allocated in the central budget.
Still, the public hope remains strong. Campaigns, petitions, and social media posts have kept the issue alive.
What Needs to Happen Next?
To make Sabeya Airport functional, several steps need to be taken:
- Land Transfer: The land currently under the Defence Ministry must be handed over to civil aviation authorities.
- Infrastructure Upgrade: Runways, terminals, control towers, and safety equipment must be built or upgraded to modern standards.
- Government Approval: The project must get approval from both the state and central governments.
- Private Investment: Sometimes, the government also partners with private companies to help build and manage airports. This could help speed up the process.
- Environmental Clearance: Every large project in India needs to pass environmental tests to ensure it will not harm local nature or wildlife.
The UDAN Scheme: A Ray of Hope
One of the best chances for Sabeya Airport to become active again is through the UDAN scheme. This central government program aims to connect underserved and unserved airports. Under UDAN, airlines are given financial support to operate flights in small towns. This reduces the cost of flying for passengers and also makes it profitable for airlines.
If Sabeya Airport is included in the UDAN list, it could get funds and priority from the central government. Many small airports like Darbhanga and Pithoragarh have already benefited from this scheme.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a Brighter Future
Sabeya Airport is more than just a piece of land with a runway. For the people of Gopalganj and nearby districts, it represents a chance for better life opportunities, better travel, and faster growth. While the process is slow and full of challenges, the hope remains strong.
With continued public demand and government attention, Sabeya Airport can one day become a shining example of development in north Bihar. It will connect dreams to destinations and bring a new chapter of progress for the region.
