Lucknow: Following its success in developing expressways, the Uttar Pradesh Government is now accelerating plans to transform the state into an “Airport State”. The government aims to provide “ready-to-go” airports across major regions, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth.
New Airports in Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Lakhimpur Kheri
As part of this initiative, three new airports are planned in Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Lakhimpur Kheri. Surveys for these airports are expected to begin this year. These developments are aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting both domestic and international travel.
Expansion of Existing Airports
The government will also support the expansion of Lucknow Airport, a PPP model project, to accommodate Europe- and America-bound flights. Expansion includes extending the runway at Amausi Airport and addressing land acquisition and airport management needs through coordination with the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Other airports set for expansion include Shravasti, Moradabad, and Aligarh, further strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure.
Budget Allocation for Civil Aviation
In the recent state budget, ₹2,111 crore has been allocated for civil aviation development, including:
- Jewar (Noida) International Airport: ₹750 crore, with ₹700 crore for land acquisition and ₹50 crore for construction, increasing runways from 2 to 5.
- Ayodhya Maharshi Valmiki International Airport: Additional ₹27 crore for development.
- Runway construction and modernization across state airports: ₹1,100 crore.
Total capital expenditure for civil aviation projects stands at ₹1,965 crore, earmarked for infrastructure and airport development.
Uttar Pradesh to Have 22 Airports
Since 2017, the number of airports in Uttar Pradesh has grown from five—Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Agra—to 22 airports after adding 12 new facilities, including the upcoming airports in Lalitpur, Jhansi, and Lakhimpur Kheri. With the addition of Noida International Airport, the state is set to become a major aviation hub, connecting all regions efficiently.
Government’s Vision
With this push, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to:
- Improve regional and international connectivity
- Facilitate economic and tourism growth
- Support faster industrial and urban development
- Make the state a model for aviation infrastructure in India
According to Ishan Pratap Singh, Secretary (Civil Aviation), work on new and expanded airports is progressing rapidly, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key aviation destination in the country.
