Ayodhya Airport to Expand by ₹1,625 Cr Before Ram Navami

Ayodhya Airport Expansion: A Major Boost for Spiritual Tourism

NEW DELHI – The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand Ayodhya Airport (AYJ) with an investment of ₹1,625 crore. This significant upgrade aims to enhance passenger capacity from a mere 160,000 to an impressive 6 million annually, effectively addressing the surge in visitors drawn to the holy city.

As Ayodhya gears up for the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out extensive arrangements to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees. The expansion of Ayodhya Airport is a crucial part of this initiative.

Ayodhya Airport: Major Expansion Plans

The planned expansion will see the airport’s land area more than double from 141 hectares to 331 hectares. A new passenger terminal building, spanning 4.4 hectares, will replace the current facility, which covers only 0.6 hectares. Airport officials estimate that the expansion will be completed within 28 months, allowing for enhanced services and facilities.

The number of aircraft bays will also increase from 8 to 18, enabling more simultaneous flight operations. This project has already received environmental clearance from the Union Environment Ministry, paving the way for its swift implementation.

Rising Demand for Air Travel

Currently, Ayodhya Airport operates approximately 174 flights per week, connecting major cities such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Ahmedabad (AMD), and Hyderabad (HYD). This marks a notable increase from 154 weekly services a year ago, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

IndiGo has emerged as the leading operator at Ayodhya Airport, offering 64 weekly flights—nearly doubling its service from 36 flights last year. SpiceJet follows closely behind with 42 weekly flights.

Measures to Accommodate Devotees

To ensure a comfortable experience for the influx of visitors, several measures have been implemented. Mats will be laid from Shringarahaat to Gate Number 3 of Rampath, complemented by regular water sprinkling to combat the heat. Shaded temporary camps along Dharampath will provide relief, while drinking water facilities are being set up at 243 locations throughout the city.

The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation has mobilized dedicated machinery and personnel to maintain cleanliness in the area. Additionally, 34 mobile toilet units have been installed, supported by an enforcement team to manage encroachments during the festival.

Comprehensive Cleaning Initiatives

Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma has confirmed a three-phase cleaning plan that will cover key routes, including Dharampath, Rampath, and Aarti Ghat.

• Phase One: Deploying 1,204 cleaning workers.
• Phase Two: Involving 398 workers.
• Phase Three: Enlisting 136 workers.

A team of 73 supervisors will oversee the operations, with 395 dustbins strategically placed for efficient waste collection. The authorities have also installed 991 toilet seats, complete with maintenance staff and handwashing stations.

Chief Minister’s Involvement

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is personally overseeing the preparations to ensure that devotees face no inconveniences during their visit. This dual focus on infrastructure development and festive arrangements underscores Ayodhya’s status as both a spiritual hub and an emerging tourist destination.

As a visitor to Ayodhya during the Maha Kumbh 2025, I witnessed firsthand the airport bustling with devotees and tourists. The progress in India’s spiritual tourism sector over the past decade is truly remarkable.

Conclusion

The expansion of Ayodhya Airport is set to transform the region, elevating its status as a key destination for spiritual tourism. As preparations continue for the Ram Navami celebrations, the enhancements at AYJ will undoubtedly contribute to a more seamless experience for all visitors.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming changes at Ayodhya Airport? Share your views in the comments below or explore more articles on the future of spiritual tourism in India.