Ayodhya Airport Got its First Flight; All you need to know

On December 30, 2023, Ayodhya Airport celebrated a historic moment with the arrival of its first flight, operated by IndiGo. This inaugural flight from Delhi marked the beginning of commercial operations at the newly constructed Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya. Passengers aboard the flight experienced a unique journey, with some expressing deep emotional sentiments about the significance of Ayodhya as a sacred and holy place.

The addition of Ayodhya to IndiGo's network is a notable expansion. The airline's Head of Global Sales, Mr. Vinay Malhotra, emphasized the significance of Ayodhya's historical and cultural heritage and expressed the airline's commitment to providing easy access to the city for pilgrims and tourists. The introduction of these flights aligns with the anticipated increase in travel activity to Ayodhya, especially ahead of the Ram Mandir's inauguration scheduled for January 2024.

The flight schedule is as follows: Starting from January 10, 2024, IndiGo will operate daily direct flights between Delhi and Ayodhya. The flight will depart from Delhi at 11:55 AM and arrive in Ayodhya at 1:15 PM. The return flight will leave Ayodhya at 1:45 PM, reaching Delhi at 3:00 PM. Additionally, beginning January 11, IndiGo will also operate tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The Ayodhya Airport's completion in a record time of 20 months is a testament to the rapid development and expansion of aviation infrastructure in India. The Airport Authority of India (AAI), in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, has successfully undertaken this project, providing a boost to regional connectivity and tourism.

The inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and the introduction of these new flights represent a significant step in enhancing Ayodhya's connectivity, potentially transforming the city into a major hub for religious and cultural tourism in India.

Since the inauguration of Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there have been some notable developments in flight operations. Following IndiGo, Air India Express has announced its inaugural flight to the new Ayodhya Airport. This marks an important step in enhancing connectivity to the temple town.

Air India Express's inaugural flight took place on December 30, departing from Delhi and arriving in Ayodhya. Staring from January 10, 2024, IndiGo will operate daily direct flights between Delhi and Ayodhya. The flight will depart from Delhi at 11:55 AM and arrive in Ayodhya at 1:15 PM. The return flight will leave Ayodhya at 1:45 PM, reaching Delhi at 3:00 PM.The airline is set to commence scheduled daily service on this route from January 16. The airport is expected to significantly boost air connectivity, especially with the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

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The construction of the airport and the commencement of flights by major airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express demonstrate a significant advancement in India's aviation sector, particularly enhancing the connectivity of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Air India Express and IndiGo’s expansion into Ayodhya is seen as a strategic move to facilitate easier access to the city for pilgrims and tourists alike. With its historical and cultural significance, Ayodhya is expected to become a major destination for travelers, and these new flights are a step towards meeting the growing demand for convenient and efficient travel options to the city.