Ayodhya Airport (AYJ): Unveiling India’s Newest International Aviation Hub

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Updated March 2024

Ayodhya is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, renowned for being the birthplace of the Hindu Lord Shri Ram. The city has witnessed a tremendous influx of pilgrims since Ram Lalla arrived at Ayodhya’s newly inaugurated Ram Mandir. To enhance connectivity with this revered religious centre, the Ayodhya Airport (IATA code: AYJ) has commenced operations.

In this article, Wego presents an overview of the details of this new airport.

Ayodhya Airport overview

The official name of the Ayodhya Airport is Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, named after the legendary poet who is also the author of the epic Ramayan, which narrates the life of Shri Ram, praising his glory and imparting his principles.

The development of this project began in 2014 when the Government of Uttar Pradesh signed an MoU with the Airports Authority of India. The development of this airport comes under the low-cost airports scheme, aiming to develop airports in smaller cities across the country to boost connectivity. The airport will cater to the needs of both the city of Ayodhya and the neighbouring town of Faizabad.

The airport runway measures 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) long and 45 metres (148 ft) wide, with a 100-150 m wide set-off area on each side of the runway. Construction of the runway will be done in two phases, with the length of the runway being 2,250 meters in the first phase. In the second phase, the length could be stretched to 3,500 meters. The first phase will also include the development of a 6000 sqm terminal building.

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Ayodhya Airport location

The airport is located adjacent to NH-27 and NH-330 at Naaka, Faizabad, in the Ayodhya district. It is 8 km away from the city of Ayodhya, and can be conveniently reached through roads. Additionally, there are cabs and bus services available as well.

Ayodhya Airport code

The IATA code of the Ayodhya Airport is AYJ, while the ICAO code is VEAY. 

Ayodhya Airport terminal building

The Ayodhya Airport’s terminal is designed to be a seamless blend of traditional elements with a contemporary flair, capturing the essence and vision of the Ram Mandir. Shikaras grace the terminal roof at various heights, creating a visually striking representation. It also houses elaborate columns, adorned with depictions of pivotal events from the Ramayana, adding a mythological touch of artistry to the terminal. 

In terms of functionality, the terminal boasts eight check-in areas, a single luggage conveyor belt, and a state-of-the-art X-ray baggage scanning system for the convenience of travellers.

Two conveyor belts are dedicated to the baggage claim and arrival booths, ensuring swift luggage collection. Additionally, the terminal incorporates eco-friendly features, such as skylights, solar-powered electricity, rainwater collection, and other environmentally conscious practices.

Ayodhya Airport flight schedule

Presently, five airlines offer direct flights to and from Ayodhya Airport: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Alliance Air.

Please note: The information provided below is accurate as of the time of writing but may be subject to change.

IndiGo

• Ayodhya to Ahmedabad (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
• Ahmedabad to Ayodhya (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays)
• Ayodhya to New Delhi (daily flight)
• New Delhi to Ayodhya (daily flight)
• Ayodhya to Mumbai (daily flight)
• Mumbai to Ayodhya (daily flight)

Air India Express

• Ayodhya to Bangalore (Thursdays and Fridays)
• Bangalore to Ayodhya (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
• Ayodhya to New Delhi (daily flight)
• New Delhi to Ayodhya (daily flight)
• Ayodhya to Kolkata (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
• Kolkata to Ayodhya (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)

Akasa Air

• Ayodhya to New Delhi (daily flight)
• New Delhi to Ayodhya (daily flight)
• Ayodhya to Pune (daily flight)
• Pune to Ayodhya (daily flight)

SpiceJet

• Ahmedabad to Ayodhya and back (all days of the week except Wednesday)
• Bangalore to Ayodhya and back (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays)
• Chennai to Ayodhya and back (daily flight)
• Darbhanga to Ayodhya and back (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays)
• Delhi to Ayodhya and back (all days of the week except Wednesday)
• Delhi to Ayodhya and back, effective 31 March 2024 (Daily Flight)
• Jaipur to Ayodhya and back (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays)
• Mumbai to Ayodhya and back (daily flight)
• Patna to Ayodhya and back (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Alliance Air

Alliance Air has announced its direct flight route from Dehradun to Ayodhya and back, effective 6 March 2024.

• Dehradun to Ayodhya (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
• Ayodhya to Dehradun (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)