In a landmark move for India’s aviation sector, Uttar Pradesh is set to become the first Indian state with 21 airports, according to a recent announcement by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The expansion is part of the state’s aggressive infrastructure push aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting economic growth.
From just 6 airports in 2014, Uttar Pradesh now boasts 10 operational airports, including recent additions in Ayodhya and Kushinagar. Eleven more are currently under development in key districts such as Aligarh, Azamgarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot.
The state government is also investing heavily in the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, set to become one of the largest in Asia. With a dedicated budget allocation and public-private partnerships, the airport is expected to open its first phase in 2025.
Officials say the growth is aligned with the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, aimed at enhancing affordable air travel to underserved regions. The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, promote tourism, and enhance trade logistics.
Once completed, this ambitious project will place Uttar Pradesh at the forefront of India’s aviation map, a move hailed as a “game-changer” by industry experts.
