Ayodhya Joins List Of International Airports

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to declare the recently inaugurated Ayodhya Airport an international airport and name it as 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham'.

"Elevating Ayodhya Airport to international status is paramount for realizing Ayodhya's economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists,” said a government press statement.

It added that the airport’s name, "Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham," pays homage to Maharishi Valmiki, the sage attributed to composing the epic Ramayana, adding a cultural touch to the airport's identity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in the temple city of Ayodhya on 30 December last year.

In April 2022, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh for the development of the Ayodhya Airport. AAI achieved the completion of the first phase of this state-of-the-art airport within a record time of 20 months, with an investment exceeding Rs 1,450 crore.

According to a government release, the first phase includes the construction of a terminal building covering 6,500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. Two link taxiways and an apron suitable for parking eight A321 type of aircraft along with a ground support equipment (GSE) area are also constructed.

Currently, the airport has a runway length of 2200 m and would be suitable for the operation of A-321 type of Aircraft.

Under Phase 2, the development of a new terminal building of 50000 sq m is planned which will be able to serve 4000 passengers during peak hours and 60 lakh passengers annually.

The development will also include a runway extension from the existing 2200 m to 3750 m suitable for the operation of Code E (B-777) type of aircraft, a parallel taxi track and an apron for an additional 18 aircraft parking stands.

Endowed with global connectivity, the development of Ayodhya Airport will not only enhance business and pilgrimage tourism year-round but also contribute to the overall economic upliftment of the region.