Which is the Only Indian State that has Five International Airports?

India's aviation sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with new airports established to improve connectivity. Among all Indian states, Uttar Pradesh stands out as the only country with five international airports. The recent addition of Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar cements this status, enhancing the state's air travel infrastructure.

List of International Airports in Uttar Pradesh

Key Glance at International Airports of Uttar Pradesh

Connecting the World to the Heart of India: Uttar Pradesh, a land steeped in history and culture, is now seamlessly connected to the world through its network of international airports. These aviation hubs not only facilitate travel but also serve as catalysts for economic growth and development. Let’s explore Uttar Pradesh International Airports in detail:

1. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport: The Aviation Hub of Uttar Pradesh

Strategic Location

• Situated 17.9 km from Lucknow city center
• The second busiest airport in North and Central India after IGI Airport, Delhi

Large Capacity

• Passenger Handling: Over 5 million annually
• Cargo Capacity: Over 100,000 tonnes per year
• Aircraft Movements: More than 40,000 flights annually

Infrastructure Highlights

• Terminal Size: 47,097 square meters (T2)
• Aircraft Stands: 42
• Runways: 2 parallel runways for seamless operations
• New Terminal Expansion: Ongoing expansion to handle 13 million passengers annually

2. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport: Gateway to Varanasi

Strategic Location

• Located in Babatpur, 25.8 km from Varanasi Junction
• Key airport for religious tourism, connecting Varanasi to global destinations

Large Capacity

• Passenger Handling: Over 2.5 million annually
• Cargo Capacity: 50,000 tonnes per year
• Aircraft Movements: 25,000 flights annually

Infrastructure Highlights

• Terminal Size: 26,500 square meters
• Aircraft Stands: 14
• Runways: 1 major runway
• Expansion Plans: Proposed second terminal to accommodate growing traffic

3. Kushinagar International Airport: Boosting Buddhist Tourism

Strategic Location

• Located 7.3 km from Kushinagar town
• Key airport for Buddhist circuit tourism, connecting India with Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and other Buddhist-majority nations

Large Capacity

• Passenger Handling: Designed for 3 million passengers annually
• Cargo Capacity: 20,000 tonnes per year
• Aircraft Movements: 15,000 flights annually

Infrastructure Highlights

• Terminal Size: 3,600 square meters
• Aircraft Stands: 4
• Runways: 1, with a length of 3,200 meters
• Modern Facilities: Equipped with advanced navigation and landing systems

4. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport: Gateway to Ayodhya

Strategic Location

• Located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
• Designed to facilitate religious tourism with connections to major Indian and global cities

Large Capacity

• Passenger Handling: Expected to accommodate 6 million passengers annually (Phase 1)
• Cargo Capacity: 30,000 tonnes per year
• Aircraft Movements: 20,000 flights per year

Infrastructure Highlights

• Terminal Size: 6,500 square meters
• Aircraft Stands: 8
• Runways: 1, designed for wide-body aircraft
• Future Expansion: Plans for a second terminal to handle 10 million passengers annually

5. Noida International Airport: A Game Changer for the NCR Region

Strategic Location

• Situated 72 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
• Positioned as an alternative to IGI Airport for domestic and international travelers

Large Capacity

• Passenger Handling: 12 million annually (Phase 1)
• Cargo Capacity: 250,000 tonnes per year
• Aircraft Movements: 100,000 flights per year

Infrastructure Highlights

• Terminal Size: 100,000 square meters
• Aircraft Stands: 28
• Runways: 2 runways planned for future expansion
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Hub: Spread over 40 acres
• Multi-Modal Logistics Hub: Located at Dadri to support cargo operations

Uttar Pradesh's international airports are poised to play a pivotal role in the state's growth and development, connecting it to the world and facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Impact on Uttar Pradesh’s Connectivity

• Boosts Economy: Strengthens business and tourism
• Reduces Congestion: Eases pressure on Delhi’s IGI Airport
• Creates Job Opportunities: Generates employment in logistics, hospitality, and aviation industries

Conclusion

With five operational international airports, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s leader in air connectivity. The upcoming Noida International Airport will further cement its position as a major aviation hub, driving economic growth and improving travel convenience for millions.