India – The Government of Bihar has secured defense clearance to establish a Flying Training Organisation (FTO) at Darbhanga Airport, advancing plans to develop commercial pilot training capacity in northern India. The proposed facility would provide aspiring pilots in Bihar with access to local flight training, subject to further regulatory approvals and infrastructure development.
- India's Ministry of Defence issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed FTO on September 1, 2026, according to a November 5 communication from Bihar's Civil Aviation Department.
- The approval follows a May 14, 2026 request submitted by the state government after an April 18 review meeting at which Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed officials to pursue the development of a pilot training facility at Darbhanga Airport.
- The proposed FTO is intended to support commercial pilot training and expand access to aviation career opportunities for students in Bihar and neighbouring regions, reducing the need to relocate to other Indian states for initial flight instruction.
- The FTO development is progressing alongside wider airport infrastructure plans. Bihar's government has approved the acquisition of approximately 89.75 acres for a proposed runway extension to 3,700 metres, intended to accommodate larger aircraft and support the airport's long-term development.
Source: Local media
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