Ayodhya, nestled along the sacred banks of the Sarayu River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, holds immense significance as a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. Recognized as the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram and the backdrop of the epic Ramayana, it carries deep spiritual importance. In a significant move to connect this holy city with the world, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Ayodhya International Airport on December 30, 2023, with flight operations commencing from January 10, 2024.
For those planning a journey to Ayodhya Dham, our Ayodhya Airport Guide stands ready to unveil essential details about airport facilities, transportation, and more.
Recently approved by the Union Cabinet, Ayodhya International Airport (IATA: AYJ, ICAO: VEAY) has been renamed as Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham (महर्षि वाल्मीकि अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाईअड्डा, अयोध्याधाम), dedicated to the author of Ramayana – Maharishi Valmiki. This name change aligns with the airport’s theme inspired by the Ramayana.
Serving the twin cities of Ayodhya and Faizabad, the airport, now with international status, serves as a vital link connecting Ayodhya to the global community. This development will enhance the economic landscape of the state and foster increased foreign pilgrimages and tourism. The strategic location of the airport and opening date is in harmony with the upcoming Ayodhya Ram Mandir (Temple), offering a seamless travel experience for visitors looking to explore this historic city.
Infrastructure
The original airstrip had a runway measuring 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) in length and 30 meters (98 ft) in width, making it insufficient for accommodating larger aircraft such as the Airbus A321. Recognizing the need to facilitate larger aircraft, the Uttar Pradesh government announced the expansion of the existing airstrip in Faizabad in 2018. The Ayodhya airport construction began in February 2022 by Airport Authorities of India (AAI).
The proposed runway for Ayodhya Airport is designed to be 2,500 meters long and 45 meters wide, featuring a 100-150 m-wide set-off area on each side. The construction of the airport is divided into three phases. The second phase will have a runway length of 3,125 meters. The third phase aims to extend it by an additional 625 meters, resulting in an overall length of 3,750 meters, enabling the airport to accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
The terminal building integrates various sustainability features, including an Insulated Roofing System, Canopies for energy conservation, LED Lighting, Low Heat Gain Double Glazing Unit, Rain Water Harvesting for groundwater recharge, Landscaping with fountains, HVAC, Water treatment plant, Sewage treatment plant, and the use of recycled water for landscaping.
A solar power plant with a capacity of 250 KWP has been installed to achieve GRIHA – 5-star ratings.
Ayodhya Airport Design
The Ayodhya airport has been designed to reflect both the local and state’s culture and heritage, aiming to enlighten visitors about the spiritual, religious, and historical influence that the city of Ayodhya holds in Indian society. The designs manifest as murals, artworks, and engraved scriptures, adorned in the Nagara style of temple architecture. They vividly depict the symbolism found in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Ayodhya Airport Location
Ayodhya International Airport, also known as Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (Ayodhya Airport Code – AYJ) is located adjacent to NH-27 and NH-330 at Naaka in Faizabad.
Registered address of Ayodhya International Airport:
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham,
Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh 224133
Operational Hour, Opening Date & Flight Operation
The first phase of the recently refurbished Ayodhya International Airport was inaugurated on 30th December 2023. The flights began operating on January 10, 2024. Currently Indigo, SpiceJet and Air India Express operate flights to connect Ayodhya city to major Indian cities like New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Darbhanga, Varanasi, Chennai, Jaipur and Patna.
Passengers travelling from rest of the country can take a direct flight to Lucknow airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) – LKO. From Lucknow airport passengers have the option to take a cab or train to reach Ayodhya city centre. It is a 2 hr 49 min (161.3 km) ride by private cab or taxi to reach Ayodhya from Lucknow airport via Purvanchal Expy and NH330A.
The Ayodhya airport is operational 24 * 7
Ayodhya Airport Terminals
At present, Ayodhya Airport has a single terminal as part of its initial development phase. The construction of two additional terminals is in progress and is scheduled for completion during the second and third phases of the development process.
Passenger Terminal 1 – Terminal 1 covers an area of 6,500 sq.m. and is able to accommodate 600 passengers during peak hours and handle around 10 lakh passengers annually. The terminal will handle flight operations from 10th January 2024.
Passenger Terminal 2 – Terminal 2 will be the second terminal of Ayodhya Airport and will be completed as part of the second phase of Airport’s refurbishment work. The new terminal building is planned to have an area of 50,000 sqm, which will be able to serve 4,000 passengers during peak hours and 60 lakh passengers annually.
Passenger Terminal 3 – Terminal 2 will be developed as a part of the third and final phase of the development work. It will cover an area of more than 50.000 sqm and will aim to handle international operations.
How to reach Ayodhya Airport?
To reach Ayodhya Airport (also known as Maharishi Valmiki International Airport), you can take one of the routes:
- Air – You can book direct flights to Ayodhya Airport(AYJ) from major Indian cities like New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Upon arrival, convenient transportation options such as auto-rickshaws and taxi services are readily available outside the airport to transport you to the city center of Ayodhya.
- Road – You can hire a private cab/ taxi or use public transportation like bus to reach Ayodhya Airport from Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and other nearby cities and towns. The airport is located approximately 8-10 km from the city centre. The nearest bus station from Ayodhya Airport is Faizabad Bus Depot, located only 5 km (3.1 mi) away to the north-west in Faizabad, while Ayodhya Dham Central Bus Station is located 16 km (9.9 mi) away to the north-east in Ayodhya.
- Train – Ayodhya Junction (AY) and Faizabad Junction (FD) are the two main railway stations serving the city. Faizabad Junction railway station (FD) is the nearest railway station to Ayodhya Airport. Upon reaching Faizabad Junction, a taxi or auto-rickshaw ride of approximately 6-8 km will take you to Ayodhya Airport.
Facilities & Services at Ayodhya Airport
In the first phase of development, the airport has the following features:
- 9 check-in counters
- 2 Departure and 1 Arrival Gates
- 3 conveyer belts
- 2 lounges
- 4 parking spaces
- Waiting Area
- Cafe and Food Court
- Service and Utility area
- 5 X-BIS machines
- A four lane approach road to NH27 that connects Faizabad and Ayodhya
- Luxury and Budget Hotels near the airport
- Fire Station
- Air Traffic Control tower
- Technical Block
- Fuel Farm
- PRM (Person with reduced mobility) assistance
Best Budget and Luxury hotels near Ayodhya Airport
To ensure a convenient stay for travelers, there are a number of hotels near Ayodhya Airport. These accommodations offer a range of amenities and services, providing a comfortable and accessible option for those visiting the holy city. Whether you prefer luxurious hotels or budget-friendly options, you’ll find suitable choices to enhance your stay in the sacred city of Ayodhya.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Rameshwaram Palace
- Shree Harshan Kutir
- Ramprastha Hotel, Ayodhya
- Yamuna Milan Resort
- RBS Hotel and Lawn
- Royal Heritage Hotel and Resort
- Hotel The Ramay Palace
- Awadh Samrat Resort
- Raghuvar Inn
- OYO Home Kanak Hotel & Resort Homestay
Luxury Hotels:
- Hotel Raghunandan Inn
- The Ramayana Hotel
- Cygnett Collection KK Hotel
- Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya
- Clarks Inn Express Ayodhya
- LD Hotel
- Gayatri Palace
- Hotel Krishna Palace
- Hotel Krinoscco
- Hotel Shane Avadh
Medical Facilities Near Ayodhya Airport
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham is surrounded by a number of hospitals and pharmacies, ensuring immediate medical assistance and healthcare facilities for travelers. If you are looking for urgent medical help while traveling to and from Ayodhya city via Ayodhya Airport, here is a list of hospitals near Ayodhya Airport :
- Gomti Hospital | Phone No.- 089608 96720
- Chiranjeev Hospital & Nursing Institute | Phone No.- 088085 60000
- Sri Ram Hospital Ayodhya – Govt. Hospital
- Ayodhya Children Hospital & Heart Centre | Phone No.- 079055 77364
- Meddisity Superspeciality Hospital in Ayodhya | Phone No.- 092367 00333
How to Reach Ram Mandir from Ayodhya Airport?
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Complex, popularly known as Ram Mandir is an upcoming temple, dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shri Ram. Revered as the believed birthplace of Lord Ram, it holds immense significance, earning its place as one of the foremost pilgrimage sites. The “Pran Pratishtha” event, which is a consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024.
The Ayodhya Airport to Ram Mandir distance is 9.6 km and it take 25 minutes approximately to reach the temple complex.
If you are planning to attend this ceremony and wondering how to reach Ram Mandir from Ayodhya Airport, rest assured that various transportation options, including taxis and auto-rickshaws, are readily available outside the airport for a convenient and comfortable journey.