Ayodhya Spreads its Wings: 1st Flight From Temple Town to Take Off on Dec 30; Regular Airport Ops from Jan 6

With the grant of the ‘aerodrome licence’ and phase one completed, the Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya is all set for its launch. While the first inaugural flight will take off from the Ram temple-themed airport on December 30, regular flights will start from January 6.

“The upcoming Ayodhya airport has been granted an Aerodrome License in public use category for all weather conditions. Sh. Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, AAI, received the license from Sh. Vikram Dev Dutt, DG, @DGCAIndia along with the team,” reads Airport Authority of India’s (AAI) post on social media platform ‘X’.

Officials with the UP government called the granting of the aerodrome licence the last and most important formality for the airport to be opened to public.

Of the many ongoing projects worth Rs 30,000 crore, the construction of the Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram International Airport is said to be a crucial development for Ayodhya. “The work of the airport is almost complete. This was indeed one of the most crucial projects for Ayodhya. Under the project, we acquired around 821 acres of land. Construction of the runway, installation of CAT-1 and RESA facilities that facilitate night landings or landings in the extreme weather conditions is done. All construction work, including installation of ATC tower, has also been completed. The airport is set to be opened to public,” said Nitish Kumar, district magistrate, Ayodhya.

Officials with the Ayodhya administration said that the two-storey structure is designed to portray the rich history of the sacred city. The ground floor welcomes passengers with extensive amenities, while airport operations are conducted from the first floor. The airport will improve connectivity throughout India and is specifically designed to elevate the experience for visitors and devotees, while showcasing the rich heritage of Ayodhya.

“Initially, small aircraft with seating capacity of 60 will land at the airport, but by 2025, when the final phase of the airport is completed, it will be ready for Boeing airplanes,” the DM further added.

IndiGo announced its plans to operate the inaugural flight from the national capital to the Ayodhya airport on December 30. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had mentioned on December 8 that the airport would be ready by the end of December and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate it.

According to the release, Ayodhya will be the airline’s 86th domestic destination. Commercial operations for a direct flight between Delhi and Ayodhya will begin on January 6, 2024, followed by tri-weekly flights connecting Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11, 2024.

“Launching flights to Ayodhya from Ahmedabad and Delhi starting 30th December 2023. Fares starting at ₹2,999. Book now,” reads the post of Indigo Airlines on X.

Officials said commencement of the airport operations would be a major draw for devotees ahead of the consecration ceremony of the idol at the temple on January 22.