In the wake of the upcoming opening of the Ram Temple for public visits post the ‘Pran Prathishtha’ ceremony, Akasa Air has unveiled plans to operate one-stop flights from Pune to Ayodhya via Delhi. This move follows similar announcements by other airlines, including IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, signifying a surge in air travel options to the sacred city.
Akasa Air’s Entry:
Akasa Air, joining the ranks, has scheduled daily morning flights starting from February 15. Departing from Pune at 8:50 am, the one-stop journey through Delhi will conclude in Ayodhya at 12:55 pm. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, emphasised the airline’s commitment to connecting regions and cultures, citing Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural significance. The new flight route aims to enhance accessibility, foster economic growth, and contribute to regional development.
SpiceJet’s Expansion:
SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, is set to launch non-stop flights connecting Ayodhya with Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai from February 1, utilising its 189-seater Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline had previously announced a special flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 21. IndiGo has also introduced direct flights between Mumbai and Ayodhya since January 15, expanding connectivity options. Air India Express has also joined the fray with its own operations on this route.
Prime Minister’s Inauguration:
The surge in flight services to Ayodhya follows the inauguration of the newly built Ayodhya Airport, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30. With a spacious terminal covering 6,500 sqm, the airport is poised to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually.
The multiple flight announcements underscore the increasing importance of Ayodhya as a key travel destination. As various airlines intensify their services to the sacred city, it not only facilitates pilgrimage but also contributes to the economic development and connectivity of the region. The enhanced accessibility aligns with the government’s commitment to boosting regional growth and cultural exchange.
