How many international airports are there in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh, which is among the largest and most populous states of India, has a rapidly expanding aviation network that facilitates tourism, business travel, and connections to other countries. As of 2025, Uttar Pradesh has three airports with active international flight operations, while two additional airports have been designated or planned as international airports. These airports enhance connectivity throughout the world, support religious and cultural tourism, and play an important role in economic development. The following is an updated and accurate overview of each international airport
1. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow)
This is one of the busiest and most developed airports in Uttar Pradesh, located in the state capital, Lucknow. It is a significant entry point of the central and northern parts of the state. The airport has numerous international routes, most of them to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and has modern terminals, lounges, retail spaces, and cargo services. It is also a strategic location with good connectivity, which makes it a business, government, travel, and tourism hub.
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Varanasi)
The airport is located in the ancient city of Varanasi, which hosts a high number of international pilgrims and tourists. The airport is a significant religious tourism destination with millions of Hindu and Buddhist visitors coming to Varanasi every year. It also offers international flights to destinations such as Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, and several Gulf countries. It is a crucial connecting point between Uttar Pradesh (eastern) and other parts of the world, as there is good infrastructure and domestic connectivity.
3. Kushinagar International Airport
Kushinagar is a holy Buddhist place of worship where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. In 2021, the airport was opened to facilitate international Buddhist tourism. The airport mainly handles charter and limited international flights catering to Buddhist pilgrims, with operations depending on seasonal demand, such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. The airport is a major destination on the Buddhist Circuit, strengthening air connectivity between Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Lumbini.
4. Noida International Airport (Jewar)
Located near Greater Noida, this airport is one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. It has already been assigned the status of an international airport, and the initial phase of its functioning is planned to be opened in 2025. Upon completion, it will be one of the largest airports in India, serving the Delhi-NCR region, western Uttar Pradesh, and industrial hubs. Other features of the project are numerous runways, advanced technologies, and the capability to host high passenger numbers. The airport has been designated as an international airport and is expected to begin operations in phases once construction and regulatory approvals are completed.
5. Ayodhya International Airport (Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Airport)
Ayodhya Airport (Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Airport), which currently operates domestic flights, has been developed with infrastructure capable of handling international operations in the future. Opened recently to serve the fast-growing tourist demand of religious travelers, this airport links tourists to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Although operations are currently primarily domestic, the airport has been designed to accommodate international flights and is likely to increase connectivity with other parts of the world as tourism is expected to improve. It is a prominent feature in the warm reception of the visitors of Southeast Asia, Mauritius, and other destinations that have a huge population of Hindus.
Conclusion
Overall, Uttar Pradesh currently has three operational international airports, with two more airports designated or planned to handle international flights in the future. Each airport contributes uniquely to the state's growth, such as spiritual centres such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Kushinagar, major urban and industrial hubs like Lucknow and Noida. As the first phase of operation of the Jewar Airport becomes operational in the near future, Uttar Pradesh is set to emerge as an even greater international traveler platform in the future.
