Ayodhya Airport Takes Flight Under the Double-Engine Government

Two years since inauguration, over 7 lakh passengers handled
Wide range of facilities, top ranks in passenger satisfaction
22 flights still operating daily from the airport

Ayodhya, December 2025 : The sacred city of Lord Ram is today touching new heights of development. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport has completed two years of operations. The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023, just ahead of the consecration of the Ram Temple. Over the past two years, the airport has achieved major milestones. So far, a total of 7,85,412 passengers have arrived and departed through the airport. Recently, the CSI released passenger satisfaction rankings, placing Ayodhya Airport among the best in terms of facilities.

The airport is not only a symbol of modern infrastructure but also a living example of the visionary policies of the “double-engine government.” The coordination between the Modi government at the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has positioned Ayodhya on the global map, accelerating tourism, trade, and religious travel. These two years have been transformative for Ayodhya. While the consecration of the Ram Temple infused spiritual energy, the airport gave wings to economic and social development. This partnership of the double-engine government has become an inspiration not just for Uttar Pradesh but for the entire country. As Prime Minister Modi said during the inauguration, Ayodhya is now a symbol of modern India. In the coming years, the airport will grow stronger and Ayodhya will continue to write a new chapter of development.

22 flights still in operation

After operations began, a total of 28 flights (including arrivals and departures) were launched. At present, 22 flights are operational, connecting Ayodhya with major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Although some airlines temporarily suspended flights to Darbhanga, Kolkata, Patna, and Jaipur due to operational reasons, plans are in place to restart these routes soon with the active support of the double-engine government. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India have deployed a significant fleet here, strengthening Ayodhya’s connectivity.

Key passenger facilities now available at the airport

Expansion of passenger amenities has been a priority of the double-engine government. Facilities such as parking, prepaid taxi counters, souvenir shops, sweet shops, and food and beverage outlets have been introduced. In addition, services including golf carts, business lounges, food courts, Ola and Uber cab services, lounges, retail shops, and free Wi-Fi are available for passengers.

Capacity to handle 10 lakh passengers annually

The airport was constructed in the first phase at a cost of approximately ₹1,450 crore. The terminal building covers an area of 6,500 square meters and has the capacity to handle 10 lakh passengers annually. The airport’s design is based on the Ramayana theme, reflecting traditional Indian architecture. Murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana adorn the walls, connecting travelers with India’s cultural heritage. This initiative of the double-engine government marks the first step towards developing Ayodhya as an international hub, with the Centre providing funding and technical support, and the state government ensuring land acquisition and local development.

Expansion underway, international flights planned in future: Director

Airport Director Dhirendra Singh said connectivity at regional and national levels has increased significantly. Tourism has received a boost, business activities have picked up, and religious travel has become more convenient. New employment opportunities have been created for local residents. Hundreds of jobs have been generated at the airport itself, while hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses in surrounding areas are flourishing. Following the success of the first phase, expansion plans are currently underway. These include increasing terminal capacity, further strengthening passenger facilities, expanding commercial activities, and upgrading infrastructure to support more flights. With the launch of international flights in the future, Ayodhya is set to emerge as a global tourist destination.