**Executive Summary**
This document summarizes the responses to Unstarred Question No. 2262 regarding the CAT lighting system and runway extension at Gaya International Airport, to be answered on February 12th, 2026. It outlines the status of land acquisition for the CAT-I lighting system and runway extension, current operational limitations, and completed infrastructure improvements. Action is required by the State Government of Bihar to hand over land for further improvements.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **CAT-I Lighting System:**
* AAI has requested 17.62 acres of land from the State Government of Bihar for CAT-I approach lighting.
* The land has not yet been handed over to AAI.
* **Runway Extension:**
* AAI has requested 64.11 acres of land from the State Government of Bihar for runway extension.
* The land has not yet been handed over.
* Runway extension is contingent upon the land being handed over.
* **Operational Capabilities:**
* Gaya Airport is licensed under Aerodrome Category 4C for public use and all-weather operations with Airbus A321.
* Operation of wide-body aircraft is not feasible due to the existing runway dimensions (2286m x 45m).
* International flights to Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand are currently operational.
* **Infrastructure Improvements:**
* The apron was expanded in 2022 by adding two bays for A321 type aircraft, increasing the total to five bays.
* A new link taxiway was constructed in 2022.
**Impact Analysis**
**State Government of Bihar**
* **Impact:** Required to transfer land to AAI for the installation of a CAT-I approach lighting system and runway extension.
* **Action Required:** Expedite the process of handing over the requested land to AAI.
**Airports Authority of India (AAI)**
* **Impact:** Current airport operations are limited by the existing runway dimensions and pending land acquisition.
* **Action Required:** Continue to coordinate with the State Government of Bihar to acquire the necessary land for improvements.
**Airlines Operating at Gaya International Airport**
* **Impact:** Current runway dimensions restrict wide-body aircraft operations.
* **Action Required:** Continue to work within the existing operational constraints until runway improvements are completed.
Key Entities Referenced
Gaya International Airport: The airport at the center of the discussion, concerning runway extensions, CAT lighting, and land acquisition issues.
Airports Authority of India (AAI): The entity that has requested land for CAT lighting and runway extensions at Gaya Airport.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The ministry responsible for matters related to civil aviation, including the questions raised about Gaya International Airport.
Bihar: The State where Gaya International Airport is located and from where land needs to be acquired.
CAT Lighting System: The Category Lighting System to be installed at Gaya International Airport, requiring land acquisition.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2262
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12th February 2026 )
CAT LIGHTING SYSTEM AT GAYA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
2262. SHRI ABHAY KUMAR SINHA
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the process of acquiring approximately 18 acres of land to install a CAT
approach lighting system at Gaya International Airport in Bihar is underway and if so,
the current status thereof;
(b) whether the Government is aware that the acquisition of over 100 acres of land
required for runway extension at Gaya Airport has been pending for several years and
that due to some cases pending in courts, the runway length remains 2,286 meters and
width 45 meters and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is true that operation of wide-body aircraft and international flights is not
possible due to the existing runway dimensions and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has approved/proposed any time-bound project to extend the
runway by at least 500 meters, widen it and construct apron and additional taxiways at
Gaya Airport and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has requested 17.62 acres of land from the
State Government of Bihar for installation of a CAT-I approach lighting system at Gaya
Airport. The land has not yet been handed over to AAI by the State Government.
(b): For extension of the runway at Gaya Airport, AAI has requested 64.11 acres of land
from the State Government of Bihar. The required land has not yet been handed over.
(c): Gaya Airport has been licensed under Aerodrome Category 4C for public use and all-
weather operations, with Airbus A321. Operation of wide-body aircraft is not feasible
with the existing runway dimensions of 2286m x 45m. However, international flights to
Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand are presently operational at the airport.
(d): Extension of the runway is contingent upon handing over of the requisite land by the
State Government. At the airport, the apron was expanded in the year 2022 through
construction of two additional bays for A321 type aircraft, thereby increasing the total
number of bays to five. A new link taxiway was also constructed during the same year.
******