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Maharshi Valmiki International Airport

Faizabad, Uttar PradeshAYJVEAY· Gateway to Ayodhya, where faith meets the sky
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Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, officially known as Ayodhya Airport, serves the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, located near the historic Faizabad district. The airport was inaugurated in January 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the consecration of the Ram Mandir, making it a significant spiritual and infrastructure milestone for India. Designed with architectural elements inspired by the iconic Ram Mandir temple, the terminal building blends modern aviation facilities with deep cultural symbolism.

Operator
Airports Authority of India
Opened
2024
Elevation
102 m
Runways
1
Also known as
Ayodhya Airport
Region
North India
Distance to city
Approximately 7-10 km from Ayodhya city centre and the Ram Mandir complex.
growth: Passenger traffic has surged significantly following the January 2024 Ram Mandir consecration, with demand continuing to rise as pilgrimage tourism grows.
Official website Plan a trip to Faizabad on TravelerPulse

Flights & airlines

Domestic destinations
DelhiMumbaiAhmedabadBengaluruKolkataChennaiHyderabadJaipurLucknow
Airlines serving this airport
IndiGoAir IndiaSpiceJetAkasa Air

Cargo: Basic cargo handling facilities available; dedicated cargo operations are in early stages.

Terminal facilities

Temple-Inspired Terminal
The passenger terminal building is architecturally modelled on the Ram Mandir, featuring sandstone-coloured facades, ornate motifs, and a grand entrance that reflects Ayodhya's spiritual heritage.
Check-in Counters
Multiple check-in counters with self-check-in kiosks to handle growing pilgrim and tourist traffic efficiently.
Retail and F&B outlets
Food and beverage stalls and retail shops offering local snacks, prasad products, and souvenirs related to Ayodhya's culture and heritage.
Prayer and Meditation Zone
A dedicated quiet space inside the terminal for devotees to pray or meditate, acknowledging the spiritual purpose of many travellers visiting Ayodhya.
Passenger Lounge
Comfortable waiting areas with seating, air conditioning, and digital flight information display boards for departing and arriving passengers.
Accessibility Facilities
Wheelchair services, ramps, and dedicated assistance counters for senior citizens, pilgrims with disabilities, and families travelling with young children.
Baggage Handling System
Modern inline baggage screening and carousel system designed to handle the high footfall expected during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Getting to the airport

Prepaid Taxi / App CabPrepaid taxis and app-based cabs (Ola, Uber) are available outside the terminal for travel to Ayodhya city centre and Ram Mandir.INR 300-600 20-35 minutes
Auto-RickshawShared and private auto-rickshaws connect the airport to Faizabad and nearby Ayodhya localities.INR 150-300 25-40 minutes
UP State Road Transport BusUPSRTC buses operate between Faizabad bus stand and Ayodhya, with auto/taxi connection to the airport.INR 30-80 40-60 minutes
Train (Ayodhya Junction)Ayodhya Junction railway station is approximately 8 km from the airport and connects to major Indian cities; local autos run between the station and airport.INR 100-200 20-30 minutes

Hotels near AYJ

Ramada by Wyndham Ayodhya4-star
8 km from airport · INR 4,000-9,000 per night

One of the premium hotel options near the Ram Mandir, catering to pilgrims and business travellers.

Saket Hotel3-star
9 km from airport · INR 2,000-4,500 per night

A popular mid-range property in Ayodhya offering clean rooms and convenient access to religious sites.

Hotel Shan-E-Awadh3-star
10 km from airport · INR 1,800-3,500 per night

Located in Faizabad, this hotel provides comfortable stay with easy connectivity to Ayodhya's pilgrimage circuit.

Treebo Trend HotelsBudget
8 km from airport · INR 800-2,000 per night

Budget chain properties available in and around Ayodhya offering standardised amenities for budget pilgrims.

Beyond the airport

Ram Mandir (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple) Religious/Pilgrimage
The grand Ram Mandir consecrated in January 2024 stands at the believed birthplace of Lord Ram and is one of India's most significant Hindu temples, attracting millions of devotees annually.
9 km away · best: October to March
Hanuman Garhi Religious/Pilgrimage
A prominent 18th-century fort-like temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated on a hillock in the heart of Ayodhya, visited by pilgrims as a mandatory stop before Ram Mandir.
9 km away · best: October to March
Kanak Bhawan Religious/Cultural
A revered temple gifted by Queen Kaikeyi to Sita, known for its beautiful idols of Ram and Sita adorned with gold and ornaments. A key spiritual landmark in Ayodhya.
10 km away · best: November to February
Saryu River Ghat (Ram Ki Paidi) Religious/Cultural
The sacred Saryu riverfront with its series of ghats is central to Ayodhya's identity. Pilgrims take holy dips here, and the evening aarti on the ghats is a spiritually uplifting experience.
10 km away · best: October to March
Guptar Ghat Religious/Heritage
One of the oldest ghats on the Saryu river, believed to be the site where Lord Ram took jal samadhi (ascension). Features ancient temples and a serene riverside atmosphere.
14 km away · best: November to February

Travel tips

  • Book flights well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons such as Ram Navami, Diwali, and the winter months (October–March), as demand surges drastically around religious festivals.
  • The Ram Mandir complex has strict guidelines on entry timings and crowd management; check official updates before planning your visit from the airport.
  • Carry comfortable footwear as walking distances within temple premises are significant; wearing traditional attire is respectful and recommended.
  • Prepaid taxi booths at the airport exit are safer and more reliable than negotiating with street-side auto-rickshaws, especially for first-time visitors.
  • Since the airport is relatively new, check your airline's baggage policy and facility updates before travel, as services are being added progressively.
  • Keep some cash handy as digital payment infrastructure around the ghats and smaller temples in Ayodhya may be limited.

Development: The airport is planned to be upgraded with a new expanded terminal and extended runway to handle wide-body aircraft and international operations, with Phase 2 development in the pipeline to cater to the massive surge in pilgrimage-driven air traffic. UDAN scheme routes are also being expanded to connect Ayodhya with smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 Indian cities.

Frequently asked questions

Faizabad airport news

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Last verified 2026-09-11. Airport information changes — always confirm critical details with the airport or your airline. Source: IndianAirports.com airport directory. Found something outdated? Report incorrect information.