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Ayodhya Airport

(Redirected from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport)

Ayodhya Airport (IATA: AYJ, ICAO: VEAY), officially named Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,[4] is an international airport in Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Ayodhya Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerGovernment of India
OperatorAirports Authority of India
ServesAyodhya–Faizabad
LocationAyodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Opened30 December 2023; 2 years ago (2023-12-30)
Elevation AMSL102 m (335 ft)
Coordinates26°44′53″N 82°09′03″E / 26.7480337°N 82.1507812°E / 26.7480337; 82.1507812
Map
AYJ is located in Uttar Pradesh
AYJ
AYJ
Location of airport in Uttar Pradesh
AYJ is located in India
AYJ
AYJ
AYJ (India)
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
11/29 2,250 7,381 Concrete
Statistics (April 2025 – March 2026)
Passengers19,23,651 (Decrease -17.2%)
Aircraft movements5,736 (Decrease -24.1%)
Cargo tonnage—
Source: Airports Authority of India[1][2][3]

An airstrip existed at the current location of the airport, which was earlier used by the Indian Air Force. Since 2008, the airstrip was rented for use by private aircraft by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. In 2013, it was transferred to the Airports Authority of India to develop an airport under the UDAN scheme of the Government of India. In 2018, the state government announced an expansion plan for the airport. The construction began in February 2022, and was completed by late 2023. It was inaugurated on 30 December 2023, and commercial flight operations began on 10 January 2024.

History

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Background and planning

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The Faizabad airstrip, which existed at the location of the airport, was earlier used by the Indian Air Force. In 2008, the Government of Uttar Pradesh allowed the unused airstrip for usage by private aircraft for a fee.[5] In 2012, the Minister of Civil Aviation announced plans to develop the existing airstrip at Faizabad to improve regional connectivity and tourism.[6][7] In 2013, the state government approved the transfer of the airstrip to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop the airport as a part of the UDAN scheme of the Government of India.[8][9][10]

Expansion

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In 2018, the state government announced plans for the expansion of the airport and allocated ₹2 billion for acquiring land acquisition for the same.[11][12] On 12 August 2020, the state government said that ₹5.25 billion (US$55 million) has been approved and ₹3 (3.1¢ US) has been spent for land acquisition for the airport.[13] On 16 September 2020, the AAI projected that 478.1 acres (193.5 ha) of land would be required for the first phase of the airport.[14] On 10 March 2021, the central government allocated ₹2.42 billion (US$25 million) for the development of the airport, and the state government had completed 270 acres (110 ha) of land acquisition for the same.[15] On 8 April 2022, the state government signed a lease agreement with the AAI for the transfer of 317.85 acres (128.63 ha).[16]

Construction and opening

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the airport on 30 December 2023

The construction began in February 2022.[17] In April 2022, the state government announced that the airport would become operational before the completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.[18] In 2021, the state government had proposed to name the airport after Hindu deity Rama, the protagonist of the epic Ramayana, who was born in Ayodhya.[19] However, in December 2023, the airport was named after Maharishi Valmiki, the author of Ramayana.[20] By December 2022, about 45% of the works had been completed, and the airport was planned to be completed by December 2023.[21] The construction of the airport was completed by late 2023 and the airport as inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 December 2023.[22][23][24] Commercial flight operations began from 10 January 2024, with IndiGo flying the inaugural flight out of the airport.[25][26]

Infrastructure

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Runway

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The existing airstrip was 1,500 m (4,900 ft) long and 30 m (98 ft) wide, and was capable of handling only smaller aircraft. In 2018, the AAI had announced plans for the expansion of the runway to make it capable of handling larger narrow body aircraft. The runway was planned to be extended to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in length and 45 m (148 ft) in width, with a 100–150 m (330–490 ft)-wide set-off area on each side of the runway.[27] The runway extension was planned to be completed in two phases, with the runway extended to 2,250 m (7,380 ft) in the first phase, and further to 3,125 m (10,253 ft) in the second phase. The runway was proposed to be extended by another 625 m (2,051 ft) to 3,750 m (12,300 ft) in the third phase if required, which will make it capable of handling wide body aircraft. The runway was equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS), Doppler Very-high frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) during the first phase of development.[28][29]

Passenger terminal

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Interior of the airport with art depicting scenes from the Ramayana

Terminal 1 covers an area of 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft) and was completed as part of the first phase of the airport's development. It is capable of handling 300 passengers during peak hours and around 1 million passengers annually. The terminal is equipped with nine check-in counters, three conveyor belts, and two lounges.[24][30]

The airport has been designed to portray the local culture and heritage. The terminals contain several murals and wall art in Madhubani art and Pattachitra art forms, and sculptures from the Nagara style of temple architecture. The art depicts the symbolism and scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The architectural style also uses symbols such as "bow and arrow" that symbolises its association with Rama. The terminal is built with red stone with carved pillars at the entrance, and mixes Indian temple architecture with modern architecture. The roof of the terminal, measuring 65,000 ft2 (6,000 m2), is supported by seven big columns, symbolising the seven kandas (books) of Ramayana. The terminal has a rectangular base with carved pillars and adorned with a shikara on its top. The terminal uses clean energy to generate electricity and follows sustainable measures to dispose waste, and conserve water.[31]

Other facilities

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The airport has an apron suitable for parking of four narrow-body aircraft. Within its premises, the airport has parking spaces for vehicles, a fuel farm, a fuel station, a fire station, an Air Traffic Control tower and other ancillary facilities. There are several hotels attached to the airport.[24][26][30]

Future expansion

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Terminal 2 will cover an area of 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) and will be the second terminal of the airport planned as part of the second phase of the airport's development. It will be able to accommodate 3,200 passengers during peak hours and over 5-7 million passengers annually. It will have eight aerobridges and additional apron for parking of eight narrow-body aircraft. A garden and a parking space has also been planned as a part of the second phase. As of November 2023, the second phase of the airport's development, is under bidding process.[30][32][33]

Terminal 3 will cover an area of 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) and will be the third terminal of the airport planned as part of the final phase of the airport's development. An additional apron suitable for parking of eight wide-body aircraft is planned as a part of the final phase. A new Air Traffic Control tower, and fire station is also planned as part of the expansion.[30][33] A medical college will also be established between terminals 2 and 3.[22][30]

Airlines and destinations

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Statistics

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Operations and statistics
Year Passengers Aircraft
2023-24 2,13,015[43] 1,694[44]
2024-25 11,15,016[45] 7,557[46]
2025-26 9,23,651[1] 5,736[2]

Connectivity

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A 3.2 km (2.0 mi)-long four-lane approach road connects the airport with NH-27, running along the western side of the airport. The nearest bus station from the airport is Faizabad Bus Depot, located 5 km (3.1 mi) away to the north-west, while Ayodhya Dham Central Bus Station is located 16 km (9.9 mi) away to the north-east.

The nearest railway station from the airport is Faizabad, located 6.8 km (4.2 mi) away to the north-west, while the Ayodhya is located 14.8 km (9.2 mi) away to the north-east.

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 Annexure III – Passenger Data, 2025-26 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  2. 1 2 Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data, 2025-26 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  3. ↑ Annexure IV – Freight Movement Data, 2025-26 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 April 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Airports Authority of India - Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham". Airports Authority of India. Archived from the original on 5 July 2024. Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  5. ↑ Pande, Alka S (18 April 2008). "Airstrips open to private aircraft in UP". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2 May 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  6. ↑ "Development not on agenda in UP for last 20 years: Ajit Singh". The Economic Times. 21 December 2012. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  7. ↑ Singh, Sanjay (28 December 2012). "Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to put brakes on airfares, will introduce a mechanism to curb soaring prices". India Today. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  8. ↑ "Year-End-Review of the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the Year 2012". Minister of Civil Aviation. 28 December 2012. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  9. ↑ "Decks clear for air travel to three districts". The Times of India. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  10. ↑ "Shelved by Maya, Akhilesh nod to develop Meerut airstrip as airport". The Indian Express. 4 September 2013. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  11. ↑ "Yogi govt expedites Ayodhya international airport project". The Hindustan Times. 13 December 2019. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  12. ↑ Sharma, Anu (18 December 2020). "Ayodhya airport to be ready for 20-seater aircraft in first phase". CNBC TV18. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  13. ↑ Kalhans, Siddharth (12 August 2020). "Ayodhya airport set to become international, to be expanded by 600 acres". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  14. ↑ "478.1 acres land is required for phase-1 of Ayodhya airport: AAI to UP govt". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  15. ↑ Nag, Devanjana (10 March 2021). "Travelling to Ayodhya to be more convenient! AAI sanctions Rs 242 crore to develop airport in the holy city". The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  16. ↑ "UP govt, AAI sign lease pact for Ayodhya International airport". The Financial Express. 8 April 2022. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  17. ↑ "AAI begins construction of Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Airport in Ayodhya". Zee News. 18 February 2022. Archived from the original on 30 November 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  18. ↑ "Ayodhya airport must be operational before Ram Temple, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath". The Times of India. 8 April 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  19. ↑ "UP Assembly passes resolution to name Ayodhya airport after Lord Ram". The Hindustan Times. 24 February 2021. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  20. ↑ Parashar, Devendra; Jaiswal, Arushi (29 December 2023). "Ayodhya airport named as Maharishi Valmiki International Airport ahead of inauguration by PM Modi". India TV. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  21. ↑ "Upcoming International Airport at Ayodhya to Showcase City's Transformation". News 18. 6 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  22. 1 2 Sen, Anindita (12 December 2023). "Ayodhya airport to be ready soon! PM Modi to inaugurate; flight operations to begin before Ram Temple inauguration". The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  23. ↑ "PM Modi inaugurates Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya". Business Line. 30 December 2023. Archived from the original on 30 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 "PM Modi inaugurates new airport in Ayodhya ahead of Ram Temple consecration on Jan 22". India Today. 30 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  25. ↑ "IndiGo to operated inaugural flight to Ayodhya on December 30". Zee News. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  26. 1 2 3 "IndiGo commences operations from Ayodhya, its 86th domestic destination". IndiGo (Press release). 6 January 2024. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  27. ↑ "Full-fledged airport in Ayodhya on fast track". The Times of India. 6 November 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  28. ↑ "Development of Ayodhya Airport–Phase II Plan". Airports Authority of India. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  29. ↑ "PM Modi visits exhibition, shows interest in Ayodhya airport model". The Hindustan Times. 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 24 July 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ayodhya Airport – Status, Master Plan & Design". The Metro Rail Guy. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  31. ↑ Seth, Maulshree (12 December 2023). "Murals, artworks & engraved scriptures: Upcoming Ayodhya airport awash with Ramayana theme". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  32. ↑ "5 Bidders for Ayodhya Airport Phase 2's Consultant Contract". The Metro Rail Guy. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  33. 1 2 "Development of Ayodhya Airport–Phase II Plan (Detailed View)". Airports Authority of India. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  34. ↑ "Our Network". Air India Express. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  35. ↑ "Air India Express to expand flights to Ayodhya from January 17". JetArena. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  36. ↑ "Air India Express to launch flights to Ayodhya from January 16". JetArena. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  37. ↑ "Our Network". Akasa Air. Archived from the original on 15 June 2023. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  38. ↑ "Alliance Air commences services from Dehradun to Amritsar, Ayodhya, Pantnagar and Varanasi". CAPA. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  39. ↑ "PM to kickstart air services from Hisar to key cities on April 14". The Tribune. 5 April 2025. Archived from the original on 5 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
  40. ↑ "IndiGo to launch Bengaluru-Ayodhya direct flights from December 31". The Hindu. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  41. ↑ "IndiGo Aug – Oct 2024 Domestic Network Additions". Aeroroutes. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  42. ↑ "IndiGo launches 30+ new routes from Navi Mumbai airport. Here's the full schedule". The Indian Express. 30 March 2026. Archived from the original on 30 March 2026. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
  43. ↑ Annexure III – Passenger Data, 2023-24 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  44. ↑ Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data, 2023-24 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 June 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2026.
  45. ↑ Annexure III – Passenger Data, 2024-25 (PDF) (Report). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  46. ↑ "Annexure II – Aircraft Movement Data, 2024-25" (PDF). Airports Authority of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2026.
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