UP Takes Flight, Emerges As India’s Premier Travel Hub With Over 10 Operational Airports
Uttar Pradesh (UP) has soared to new heights, becoming the sole state in India to boast over 10 operational airports. The recent inauguration of multiple airports and airport terminals across the country, including Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, and Shravasti in UP, marks a monumental leap in the state's aviation infrastructure.
Following this recent opening, regional carrier Flybig has commenced the sale of tickets for flights to Shravasti, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, and Aligarh from Lucknow. The airline, highlighting these routes as part of the RCS-UDAN initiative on its website, is expected to significantly augment the number of operational airports in the country, furthering the objectives of the Government of India's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
The RCS-UDAN program, standing for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), aims to enhance air connectivity in underserved regions of the country, enabling common citizens to fly. Moreover, this development is set to propel Uttar Pradesh to have 13 operational airports, marking a remarkable milestone for the state. Uttar Pradesh, despite being the most populous state in India, has historically lagged in airport infrastructure due to lower GDP compared to other states. However, recent years have witnessed a turnaround in infrastructure, with expansions at existing terminals, the operationalisation of new airports like Ayodhya, and the development of civil enclaves at defence airfields like Bareilly.
Many of these newly operational airports hold significant tourist and commercial importance. For instance, Shravasti, renowned as the place where Gautam Buddha spent the most time after enlightenment, boasts numerous artworks and monuments related to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. With the nearest airport being over 100 kilometres away in Ayodhya, the introduction of flights to Shravasti from Lucknow bridges a significant connectivity gap. Similarly, Chitrakoot, a major cultural and religious centre housing Chitrakoot Dham, is historically significant as the exile site of Lord Rama for 11 years. This development is set to transform travel accessibility and promote economic growth in these regions.
What Industry Says
The rapid expansion of airport infrastructure in UP is set to revolutionise the travel sector, offering a plethora of benefits for both domestic and international travellers.
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel, highlights Uttar Pradesh's significant milestone as it emerges as the leader in India with 10 operational airports, marking a transformative period for the nation's travel economy. “This development signifies infrastructural advancement, augmenting accessibility to diverse destinations and creating abundant opportunities for travellers and the tourism industry. With improved connectivity, both domestic and international travelers are poised to explore Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural wonders, fostering sustainable tourism practices and stimulating local economies. The expansion of aviation infrastructure is expected to boost traffic volume, leading to an increase in services offered by airlines to and from these airports. This growth not only drives economic prosperity but also strengthens Uttar Pradesh's position in the global travel industry, promoting collaboration, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the region,” says D’Souza.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) opines that with the accelerated pace of airport development, UP is slated to see the largest number of airports in the country and this augurs very well for not the aviation sector, but as a force multiplier on the overall travel & tourism sector, with a significant uplift to employment generation and the the State’s GDP. "The setting up of airports in tier 2 and 3 cities, opens up unique tourism circuits that will serve to showcase UP’s hidden gems - a fillip to both Domestic and Inbound segments and benefit local communities. MICE is another opportune area that will benefit with the considerable increased connectivity/access that the new airports represent," says Kale.
Abhishek Gupta, Co-Founder and Director and Gavin D'Costa, Co-Founder, Trip Navigator say that the rise in operational airports across Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, holds significant promise for the travel sector, offering a multitude of potential benefits. “By providing easier access to renowned tourist destinations like Agra, Varanasi, and Lucknow, these airports are poised to attract a greater influx of visitors. Additionally, the emergence of new airports may catalyse investments in tourism infrastructure, further enhancing the appeal of these destinations through the development of amenities and attractions,” says Gupta.
D’Costa adds, “Furthermore, the development of airport infrastructure is often synonymous with broader economic growth. This expansion is anticipated to stimulate local economies by creating job opportunities and attracting investments across hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors, among others. The aviation industry stands to benefit from this surge in airport infrastructure. The increase in air travel demand could lead to more flights and potentially lower ticket prices, fueled by heightened competition among airlines. Also, the establishment of airports in smaller cities and towns within UP is expected to spur regional development.”
Furthermore, Harish Khatri, Founder & MD of India Assist, emphasises the transformative impact of this expansion on India's travel economy, asserting, "Uttar Pradesh's remarkable feat of boasting the largest number of operational airports is poised to revolutionise the travel sector." He highlights the heightened convenience, diminished travel durations, and the broad array of travel options that this ambitious initiative brings to travellers.
Dr. Vandana Singh, Director Global Corporate Key Account Management Asia Pacific at Saudia Cargo, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the manifold benefits of enhanced connectivity and accessibility for both tourism and business activities in the region. She adds, "This expansion will not only stimulate economic growth through increased investments in infrastructure and hospitality services but also foster greater domestic and international connectivity, creating employment opportunities and attracting investments."
The inauguration of these airports under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) is a testament to the state's commitment to bolstering its aviation infrastructure and positioning itself as a key player in the global travel landscape. As Uttar Pradesh continues to invest in airport expansion and infrastructure development, it is poised to emerge as India's premier travel hub, catering to the diverse needs of travellers and driving economic growth and prosperity nationwide.
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