January 18, 2024: On January 17, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia marked a historic moment by inaugurating the maiden flight connecting Ayodhya to Bangalore and Kolkata. Operated by Air India Express, the service will be available three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, starting immediately.
In his speech, Scindia highlighted that Ayodhya is now connected to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore. He emphasized that, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, within 17 days of launching the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya is now connected to all four corners of the country. The minister stated that this enhanced connectivity would facilitate devotees from across the nation in visiting the newly built grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Addressing the aviation infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Scindia praised the rapid development of airports in the state, crediting the Uttar Pradesh government for its support. He also announced that Uttar Pradesh would have a total of 16 airports this year, and this number is expected to increase to 19 airports by 2025.
The occasion saw the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh. During the event, Singh expressed gratitude to Air India Express for initiating this flight and thanked the Uttar Pradesh state government for their continuous support. He emphasized that the launch of this flight route signifies a commitment to expanding air connectivity, promoting accessibility across regions, and contributing to the economic development of the connected cities.
