Motihari. Even before flights begin at Raxaul Airport, an assessment has started to determine the origin and number of potential passengers. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has commenced evaluating the commercial viability of Raxaul Airport. A second phase traffic potential survey is underway to ascertain passenger capacity, airport facilities, potential passenger numbers, and cargo business.

Recently, in a meeting chaired by DM Saurabh Suman Yadav, the AAI gathered data and suggestions from various stakeholders related to railways, roads, ICP, industry, trade, and tourism. Kumar Ashish, Assistant General Manager of AAI, stated that the first phase of the survey has been completed, and the second phase involves creating a comprehensive picture of the airport's entire catchment area. For this, surveys are being conducted at Raxaul Airport, along with railway stations, bus stands, and major highways.

The DM assured AAI of all possible cooperation. AAI will determine how many people from Raxaul and its surrounding areas have a potential need for air travel. A significant focus of the survey is also on cargo. Considering the trade activities at Raxaul ICP and the border area, the possibilities of air cargo are also being thoroughly studied. The meeting also discussed the potential need for freight transportation and the benefits it could bring to industry and trade.

Officials from AAI New Delhi and Kolkata Airport, along with representatives from railways, NHAI, ICP, industry, tourism, transport, education, trade, bus operators, and the Chamber of Commerce, highlighted better air connectivity as crucial for the region's economic development. They stated that it could provide new momentum to tourism, business, industry, and investment. The AAI report will now indicate the size of the potential passenger market for Raxaul Airport, the scope for cargo, and the practical capacity for airport development.