Ayodhya Airport Inauguration, New Name, Opening Date

Ayodhya Airport:  Ayodhya’s new airport saw a flurry of activity as over 39 private jets landed for the historic Ram Temple inauguration. Celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif, arrived from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and other cities. The airport’s limited parking prompted some jets to divert to nearby airports.

Ultra-luxury aircraft like Gulfstream G650ER and Dassault Falcon 2000LX were among the arrivals. Notable personalities on board included Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble. The Airports Authority of India sought parking assistance from airports within a 1,000-km range to manage the high demand.

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Ayodhya Airport Overview

Ayodhya Airport Opening Date

The Ayodhya Airport was inaugurated on December 30, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Flight operations began on January 10, 2024, with IndiGo as the first commercial airline to connect Delhi and Ahmedabad. The airport is located about 8 kilometers from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. It was originally named Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport.

Ayodhya Airport Renamed After Maharishi Valmiki

The recently constructed Ayodhya airport is set to be renamed as ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhyadham,’ according to sources. Celebrated as the author of the epic Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki’s name has been chosen for the airport, which was previously known as the ‘Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Ayodhya International Airport.’

Ayodhya Airport Official Name

Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, formerly known as Ayodhya International Airport, is an impending international airport designed to cater to Ayodhya and Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, India. Positioned in proximity to Faizabad Junction railway station and National Highway 27, the airport aims to be operational ahead of the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Officials anticipate the initiation of the airport’s commercial flight operations in January 2024, coinciding with the scheduled opening of the Ram temple.

PM Modi Inaugurated Ayodhya Airport and Railway Station

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ayodhya’s new airport on December 30, along with a re-developed railway station, from where he will also flag off new superfast trains called Amrit Bharat trains and launch projects worth ₹11,100 crore for the development of the pilgrim town.

Furthermore, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of infrastructure projects, including the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-28 (new NH-27), the modification of the existing Ayodhya bypass, the establishment of the CIPET centre, and the construction of offices for the Municipal Corporation Ayodhya.

Ayodhya Airport Features

The terminal building of the Ayodhya Airport has several sustainability features, including:

• Insulated roofing system
• LED lighting
• Rainwater harvesting
• Landscaping with fountains
• Water treatment plant
• Sewage treatment plant
• Solar power plant

The airport also has a 2,200-meter runway that can accommodate large aircraft like the Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320. The airport has a two-story structure and can handle over 750 passengers and four aircraft movements per hour.  The airport is also wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot.

Ayodhya Airport Code

Ayodhya Airport, identified by the code AYJ, is undergoing expansion, encompassing the extension of the current runway, construction of an ATC tower, Terminal Building, fire station, parking facilities, and other essential developments. The interim terminal, spanning 6250 sqm, efficiently accommodates up to 300 individuals during peak hours. Passengers benefit from check-in booths, conveyor belts, parking, and various amenities. The parking area at Ayodhya Airport is designed to accommodate 75 vehicles.

Flight Operations and Airlines from Ayodhya Airport

IndiGo and Air India Express will operate the first flights from the Ayodhya airport. These airlines have already announced services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad to Ayodhya, starting from January 2024.

As the inaugural carriers for Ayodhya’s newly inaugurated airport, they play a pivotal role in connecting this sacred city to major hubs, facilitating accessible travel for passengers and contributing to the airport’s regional connectivity.

First Phase Development of Ayodhya Airport

The first phase of the airport’s development has incurred a cost of over Rs 1,450 crore. The terminal building, covering an area of 6500 sqm, is designed to cater to approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. The architectural facade of the terminal depicts the temple design of the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Future Expansion Plans of Ayodhya Airport

The airport’s design accommodates 600 peak-hour passengers, with an annual handling capacity of 10 lakh passengers. According to sources, the second phase of development will involve the construction of a new terminal spanning 50,000 square meters. This terminal is expected to handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours and accommodate 60 lakh passengers annually.

Significance of Ayodhya Airport

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhyadham in Uttar Pradesh is set to open on December 30, 2023. The airport has cultural significance, as it is designed around the Hindu epic Ramayana. The airport’s exterior design reflects the architecture of the Ram temple, and the interiors feature local art, paintings, and murals that tell the story of Lord Ram.

The airport aims to increase connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the region. It is expected to boost the local economy and religious tourism.  The airport is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. It also has initiatives to achieve a five-star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) rating, including an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant, and a solar power plant.

Ayodhya Airport UPSC

Ayodhya Airport, with the code AYJ, is on the brink of inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023. Operational from January 10, 2024, the airport boasts a 6250 sqm interim terminal, facilitating 300 passengers during peak hours. This development includes an extended runway, an ATC tower, a Terminal Building, a fire station, parking, and other essential amenities. Passengers will experience seamless check-in processes, conveyor belts, and a parking area accommodating up to 75 vehicles. The airport’s strategic expansion aligns with the growing significance of Ayodhya and is poised to enhance regional connectivity and travel convenience for the public.

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