
Airports in Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India, boasts a significant network of airports facilitating convenient journeys for its residents and visitors alike. Over the years, the state has witnessed remarkable progress in its aviation sector, marked by the establishment of new airports and the modernization of existing ones.
The airports in Uttar Pradesh have undergone significant transformation over the years, evolving into modern, efficient hubs of air travel. With a robust network of airports and ambitious expansion plans on the horizon, Uttar Pradesh is poised to soar to greater heights in the realm of aviation, facilitating seamless journeys and bolstering economic prosperity for its residents.
Uttar Pradesh plays a pivotal role in the Indian aviation sector, owing to its strategic location and economic significance. The state serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international air travel, fostering connectivity and economic development. With its bustling cities and rich cultural heritage, Uttar Pradesh attracts a substantial volume of air passengers, contributing significantly to the growth of the aviation industry in the nation.
Uttar Pradesh prides itself on a strong array of airports, functioning as crucial transport centers in Northern India. These airports address the varied requirements of both residents and tourists, facilitating domestic and global journeys, cargo services, and fostering economic advancement. Positioned strategically, Uttar Pradesh's airports play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity and driving regional progress.
Uttar Pradesh boasts a total of five international airports, making it the sole state in India with the highest count. Currently, three international airports are operational, while two more are slated to commence operations between 2023 and 2024. Below is a compilation of these international airports in Uttar Pradesh for your convenience.
| International Airports in Uttar Pradesh | ||||
| Area Served | Name of Airport | Type of Airport | Status | Operator |
| Ayodhya | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport | International | Complete | Govt. of India and AAI |
| Kushinagar | Kushinagar International Airport | International | Operational | AAI |
| Lucknow | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport | International | Operational | LIAL |
| Varanasi | Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport | International | Operational | AAI |
| Noida | Noida International Airport | International | Proposed | Zurich Airport AG |
| Domestic Airports in Uttar Pradesh | ||||
| Area Served | Airport Name | Airport Type | Airport Functional Status |
Owned/Operated by
|
| Agra | Agra Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Aligarh | Aligarh Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Azamgarh | Azamgarh Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Bareilly | Bareilly Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Chitrakoot | Chitrakoot Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Ghaziabad | Hindon Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Gorakhpur | Gorakhpur Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Jhansi | Jhansi Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Kanpur | Kanpur Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Lalitpur | Lalitpur Airport | Domestic | Proposed | AAI |
| Meerut | Meerut Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Moradabad | Moradabad Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Palia | Palia Airstrip | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Prayagraj | Prayagraj Airport | Domestic (CE) | Operational | MoD and AAI |
| Saharanpur | Sarsawa Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Shravasti | Shravasti Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Sonbhadra | Muirpur Airport | Domestic | Proposed | Govt. of UP |
| Kanpur | Flight Laboratory, IIT Kanpur | Flying School | — | IIT Kanpur |
| Kanpur | Kanpur Civil Aerodrome | Flying School | — |
AAI and Garg Aviations Ltd.
|
| Raebareli | Fursatganj Airfield | Flying School | — | MoCA |
Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh relied on a limited number of airports to serve its air travel requirements. Major airports such as Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi were the primary gateways to the state. However, the insufficient number of airports posed challenges in meeting the escalating demands of air travel.
Prior to 2014, Uttar Pradesh faced infrastructural limitations in its aviation sector. Existing airports struggled to cope with the increasing passenger traffic, resulting in congestion and operational inefficiencies. The imperative for expansion and modernization became increasingly evident to align with the burgeoning aviation landscape of the country.
The flight passenger traffic in Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a steady rise in recent years, reflecting the increasing preference for air travel among the populace. Cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra have emerged as key destinations, experiencing a surge in both domestic and international passenger traffic. The state's proactive measures to enhance airport infrastructure have played a crucial role in accommodating this growing demand, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers.
| Indicator | 2016-17 | 2022-23 | Growth (%) |
| Total Air Passengers (million) | 6 | 9.6 | 60 |
| Weekly Aircraft Movements | 700 | 1,654 | 136 |
| Domestic Airline Passengers (Jan-Nov) | 110 million | 138 million | 25 |
To address the evolving needs of air travel, Uttar Pradesh is embarking on the development of new airports across the state. These upcoming airports aim to augment connectivity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the region. Projects such as the Noida International Greenfield Airport and the Jewar International Airport are gaining momentum, positioning Uttar Pradesh to redefine its aviation landscape and emerge as a frontrunner in the country's aviation sector.
| Upcoming Airports in Uttar Pradesh | ||||
| Project Name | Location | Type of Airport | Expected Completion Year | Current Status |
| Noida International Airport | Jewar | Greenfield | 2024 | Under Construction |
| Kushinagar Expansion Project | Kushinagar | Expansion | 2025 | Planning Phase |
| Ayodhya Airport | Ayodhya | Expansion | 2024 | Near Completion |
| Lalitpur Airport | Lalitpur | Domestic | 2026 | Proposed |
| Meerut Civil Airport | Meerut | Domestic | 2025 | Proposed |
