Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Domestic flight operations at the newly inaugurated Kushinagar airport, Uttar Pradesh, commenced on November 26, 2021, with the first flight operating between Delhi and Kushinagar under the RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).
The commencement of the flight operations on this route is in line with the commitment and perseverance of MoCA and AAI to enable the country with better air connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport on October 20, 2021.
Kushinagar is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Here Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. This region is also the centre point of the Buddhist circuit, which consists of pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Sarnath, and Gaya. The operationalisation of the Kushinagar airport will connect this region directly with national and global visitors and pilgrims, according to a PIB release.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has developed the Kushinagar Airport with new terminal building spread across 3,600 sqm at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore in association with Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. The new terminal is equipped to handle 300 passengers during peak hours.
SpiceJet was awarded the Kushinagar – Delhi route under the RCS-UDAN 4.0. The flight operations on this route will have multiplier effect on the hospitality, tourism, and local economy. Till date, 395 routes and 63 airports including 6 heliports and 2 Water Aerodromes have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme.