Deoghar Airport
{{Short description|Airport in Jharkhand, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Deoghar Airport
| nativename =
| nativename-a =
| nativename-r =
| image = DeogharAirportT.jpg
| caption =
| image-width = 230
| pushpin_map = India Jharkhand#India
| pushpin_relief =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in Jharkhand
| pushpin_label = DGH
| pushpin_label_position = right
| type = Public
| owner = Deoghar Airport Limited
{{smalldiv|
- Airports Authority of India (51%)
- Government of Jharkhand (49%)}}
| operator = Airports Authority of India
| city-served = Deoghar
| location = Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| hub =
| elevation-f = 833
| elevation-m = 242
| coordinates = {{Coord|24|26|41|N|086|42|09|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| website = [https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/deoghar Deoghar Airport]
| metric-elev = Y
| metric-rwy = Y
| r1-number = 09/27
| r1-length-f = 8202
| r1-length-m = 2500
| r1-surface = Concrete
| r2-number =
| r2-length-f =
| r2-length-m =
| r2-surface =
| opened = {{start date and age|2022|07|12|df=y|p=n|br=n}}
| mapframe = Yes
| mapframe-zoom = 11
| stat-year = April 2023 - March 2024
| stat1-header = Passengers
| stat1-data = 163,012
({{increase}} 113.2%)
| stat2-header = Aircraft movements
| stat2-data = 1,905 ({{increase}} 137%)
| stat3-header = Cargo tonnage
| stat3-data = —
| footnotes = Source: AAI{{cite web|title=Annexure III – Passenger Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex3.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=23 April 2024}}{{cite web|title=Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex2.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=23 April 2024}}{{cite web|title=Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/Mar2k24Annex4.pdf|website=aai.aero|access-date=23 April 2024}}
}}
Deoghar Airport {{Airport codes|DGH|VEDO}}{{Cite web |title=Airline and Location Code Search - Searched for "DGH" |url=https://www.iata.org/en/publications/directories/code-search/?airport.search=DGH |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=www.iata.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Supplement to Aeronautical Information Publication of Deoghar Airport |url=https://aim-india.aai.aero/sites/default/files/aip_supplements/AIPS_2022_35_0.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721052804/https://aim-india.aai.aero/sites/default/files/aip_supplements/AIPS_2022_35_0.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2022 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=www.aim-india.aai.aero}}{{Cite web |title=Deoghar Airport (DGH) @ OurAirports |url=https://ourairports.com/airports/IN-0090/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=ourairports.com}} is a domestic airport serving Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated approximately 12 kilometres (7.4 mi) from the city centre. The airport has been primarily developed to serve the region of North-Eastern part of Jharkhand and some districts of West Bengal and Bihar. It also caters millions of pilgrims of Baidyanath Temple across the country and Sammed Shikarji for Jains. It is spread over {{convert|654|acre}}. The airport has a 2,500 meter long runway, capable of handling Airbus A320, A321 and Boeing 737 type of aircraft.{{cite news|title=Airport construction will lead to development of Dhalbhumgarh area: CM |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/airport-construction-will-lead-to-development-of-dhalbhumgarh-area--cm.html |publisher= The Pioneer |date= 11 January 2019 |access-date= 30 July 2019}} Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the airport on 25 May 2018, and it was opened on 12 July 2022.{{cite news |date=27 May 2018 |title=PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone Of Deoghar Airport In Jharkhand; CM Says Committed To Begin Flights From Districts |publisher=Businessworld |url=http://www.businessworld.in/article/PM-Modi-lays-foundation-stone-of-Deoghar-airport-in-Jharkhand-CM-Says-Committed-To-Begin-Flights-From-Districts/27-05-2018-150313/ |access-date=30 July 2019}}{{Cite news |date=12 July 2022 |title=PM Modi inaugurates 657-acre Deoghar airport, flags off flight to Kolkata |work=Mint |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/pm-modi-inaugurates-657-acre-deoghar-airport-flags-off-flight-to-kolkata-11657616394906.html}}{{Cite news |date=12 July 2022 |title=PM Modi Inaugurates Deoghar Airport, Projects Worth ₹ 16,800 Crore In Jharkhand |work=NDTV |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-deoghar-airport-projects-worth-rs-16-800-crore-in-jharkhand-3149989}}
History
The Government of Jharkhand had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 2013, to construct the airport, to promote religious tourism in the state.{{cite news|title=Jharkhand To Get International Airport At Deoghar |url=http://www.igovernment.in/articles/34586/jharkhand-to-get-international-airport-at-deoghar |publisher= iGovernment |date= 12 December 2013 |access-date=26 March 2017}}
The Government later signed a tripartite MOU with the AAI and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in March 2017, to develop the airport for non-military use and for the operations of Airbus A320 and C-130 category aircraft.{{cite news|title=Jharkhand inks MoU for Deoghar International airport expansion| url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/ranchi/jharkhand-inks-mou-for-deoghar-airport-expansion/story-j5iT9agHlH2J9V37sE3oMN.html |publisher= Hindustan Times |date= 26 March 2017 |access-date=26 March 2017}} The construction of the Airport was completed on 2022. The airport received its aerodrome license from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India (DGCA) in April 2022, for regular use of the airport for flight operations, under public use category{{Cite web |title=Deoghar Airport: मिली DGCA की हरी झंडी, अब किसी भी दिन शुरू हो सकती है देवघर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे से उड़ान |url=https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/dhanbad-dgca-approved-license-to-deoghar-airport-for-commercial-flights-22620623.html |access-date=11 June 2022 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}} later on in 28 June 2022, the DGCA upgraded its aerodrome licence from 3C to 4C allowing commercial aircraft operations up to Airbus 321 and Boeing 737.{{Cite news |date=29 June 2022 |title=DGCA Grants Licence To Deoghar Airport To Handle Narrow-Body Aircraft |work=Outlook |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/dgca-grants-licence-to-deoghar-airport-to-handle-narrow-body-aircraft-news-205636}}{{Cite web |title=Deoghar airport gets nod for commercial flight ops, to be inaugurated soon |url=https://zeenews.india.com/aviation/deoghar-airport-receives-aerodrome-licence-from-dgca-gets-permit-for-commercial-flight-ops-2479876.html |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Zee News |language=en}} The first trial flight was done in June 2022, on Deoghar Airport by IndiGo from Kolkata before its commercial operations.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=9 June 2022 |title=Local boy touches down in Deoghar airport trial run |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/local-boy-touches-down-in-deoghar-airport-trial-run/articleshow/92091769.cms |access-date=}}
On 12 July 2022, The Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scheduled commercial operations commenced on 12 June 2022 by IndiGo on the Deoghar-Kolkata route under RCS Udan Scheme. Flights for other destinations started later on.
On 16 April 2025, The Airport commenced its first night-time commercial flight operations with a scheduled service to New Delhi operated by IndiGo. This development marked the beginning of night-time operations at the airport and introduced a second daily flight on the Deoghar-Delhi route.
Infrastructure
AAI built the airport at a cost of ₹ 400 crore. The airport has a {{cvt|2,500|m}} long and {{cvt|45|m|adj=on}} wide runway, a {{convert|4,000|sqm|adj=on}} terminal building that can handle 200 passengers per hour, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, an apron for two Airbus A320s/B737, taxiways and an isolation bay.{{Cite web |title=PM inaugurates Jharkhand's second airport in Deoghar |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/pm-inaugurates-jharkhands-second-airport-in-deoghar-8816181.html |access-date=16 July 2022 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}
The terminal building has six check-in counters and two arrival belts with a peak hour handling capacity of 200 passengers. The design of the terminal building is inspired by the Baidyanath Temple's structure, and there are murals and paintings of Adivasi art, handicrafts and local tourist sites inside the airport. The airport is also equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS). The airport received DGCA approval for night landings in April 2024.{{cite web |title=Deoghar Airport receives DGCA approval for night operations; know how it will boost Jharkhand's connectivity |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-deoghar-airport-receives-dgca-approval-for-night-operations-know-how-it-will-boost-jharkhands-connectivity-3445523/ |website= Financial Express |access-date=9 May 2024 |date=4 April 2024}} Additionally, a DVOR navigational facility, completed in May 2022, is also fully operational.{{Cite web |title=Environmental clearance for the development of Deoghar Airport |url=http://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/Online/TOR/08_Apr_2016_205943640WQ8QRN1LPreFeasibility.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528045730/http://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/Online/TOR/08_Apr_2016_205943640WQ8QRN1LPreFeasibility.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2022 |website=www.environmentclearance.nic.in}}
Commercial night operations at the airport officially began on 16 April 2025 with IndiGo's evening flight to New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s operational expansion.{{Cite web |last=N7india |date=2025-04-16 |title=Delhi to Deoghar flight: दिल्ली से देवघर के लिए दूसरी फ्लाइट शुरू, वाटर सैल्यूट से हुआ स्वागत |url=https://n7india.com/news/jharkhand/2025/04/16/second-flight-started-from-delhi-to-deoghar-welcomed-with-water-salute/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=N7 India News |language=hi-IN}} On the same day, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) approved the upgrade of existing (CAT-I) Instrument Landing System (ILS) to a more advanced (CAT-II) landing system. This decision followed after Ranchi Airport’s inability to implement the CAT-II system due to land related constraints. Once completed, the upgrade will enable the airport to support enhanced night operations and aircraft landings in low-visibility conditions, with a runway visual range (RVR) as low as 350 meters.{{Cite news |last=Sinha |first=Ravish |date=April 17, 2025 |title=देवघर में घने बादल और तेज बारिश में भी हो सकेगी विमानों की लैडिंग, कैट टू लाइट लगाने को मिली मंजूरी |url=https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/deoghar-deoghar-airport-will-get-cat-3-lights-dense-clouds-and-heavy-rains-landings-23920407.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417141747/https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/deoghar-deoghar-airport-will-get-cat-3-lights-dense-clouds-and-heavy-rains-landings-23920407.html |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |work=Dainik Jagran}}
Additionally, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹450 crore has been finalized for the construction of a new terminal building. The proposed terminal will include four aerobridges to accommodate increased passenger traffic and ensure smoother flight operations. Construction is expected to commence in late 2025.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-20 |title=देवघर एयरपोर्ट के विस्तार की तैयारी तेज, एयरपोर् |url=https://lagatar.in/preparations-for-expansion-deoghar-airport-intensified-airport-authority-of-india-prepared-dpr-of-rs-450-crore/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=lagatar.in |language=en-US}}
UDAN Scheme
In April 2021, IndiGo was selected to operate flights from Deoghar to Ranchi, Kolkata, and Patna, under the Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme called UDAN.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2022 |title=IndiGo begins direct flight between Kolkata and Deoghar |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/indigo-begins-direct-flight-between-kolkata-and-deoghar/articleshow/92834588.cms}} Flights to Delhi started on 30 July 2022{{Cite web |last= |last2= |date= 30 July 2022|title=IndiGo starts direct flight service between Delhi and Deoghar |url=https://theprint.in/economy/indigo-starts-direct-flight-service-between-delhi-and-deoghar/1062050/ |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} and other destinations like Ranchi, Patna and Kolkata started later.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2022 |title=PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Deoghar Airport, to have flights to Patna, Kolkata, Delhi |work=Zee News |url=https://zeenews.india.com/aviation/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-deoghar-airport-to-have-flights-to-patna-kolkata-delhi-2484480.html}}{{Cite web |title=IndiGo announces flight services between Delhi and Deoghar |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indigo-announces-flight-services-between-delhi-and-deoghar20220712175759/ |access-date=13 July 2022 |website=ANI News |language=en}}{{cite web | url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/india/news/deoghar-airport-will-be-the-68th-destination-which-will-be-connected-to-kolkata-patna-and-latest-tweet-by-prasar-bharati-news-services-3930928.html | title=Deoghar Airport Will be the 68th Destination Which Will be Connected to Kolkata, Patna and ... - Latest Tweet by Prasar Bharati News Services | 📰 LatestLY | date=10 July 2022 }}
Airlines and destinations
{{Airport-dest-list|3rdcoltitle={{Abbr|Refs.|References}}|3rdcolunsortable=yes
|IndiGo|Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Ranchi|{{cite news|author1=Banerjee, Tamaghna|title=IndiGo begins direct flight between Kolkata and Deoghar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/indigo-begins-direct-flight-between-kolkata-and-deoghar/articleshow/92834588.cms|work= The Times of India|date= 12 July 2022|access-date=16 July 2022|language=en}}{{cite news|last=Pandey|first=Sunil|title=Deoghar Airport: दिल्ली से अब सीधे देवघर, आज से फ्लाइट सर्विस शुरू, पहली 'VIP' लैडिंग, जानें शेड्यूल|url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/jharkhand/deoghar/delhi-to-deoghar-direct-flight-service-will-start-today-rajiv-pratap-rudy-first-flight-landing-deoghar-airport/articleshow/93224124.cms|work=Navbharat Times|date=30 July 2022|access-date= 30 July 2022|language=hi}}{{cite news|author1=Faryal Rumi|title=Patna-Deoghar flight to operate from today|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/patna-deoghar-flight-to-operate-from-today/articleshow/99003304.cms|work= The Times of India|date= 26 Mar 2023|access-date=28 Mar 2023|language=en}}{{cite news|last=Pall|first=Samreen|title=Direct Flight from Deoghar To Bengaluru To Begin From June 1, Check Price|url= https://www.news18.com/auto/direct-flight-from-deoghar-to-bengaluru-to-begin-from-june-1-check-price-8882124.html|work=News18|date=8 May 2024|access-date=9 May 2024|language=en}}{{cite news|last=Vats|first=Anushka|title=Mumbai-Deoghar Flight Services Begin Making Travel Easier And Faster; Know Ticket Price, Flight Timings And Other Details Here|url=https://english.jagran.com/india/mumbai-deoghar-flight-services-begin-making-travel-easier-and-faster-know-ticket-price-flight-timings-and-other-details-here-10204547|work=Jagran English|date=2 December 2024|access-date=3 December 2024|language=en}}
}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Airports in India}}
Category:Airports in Jharkhand