Today, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, marked a historic moment by flagging off the inaugural flight connecting Ayodhya to Bangalore and Kolkata. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport & Highways, Gen(Dr.) V.K. Singh(Retd.) who witnessed the initiation of these significant air routes.
In his address, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia said that Ayodhya has been connected to Ahmedabad, Delhi and now to Kolkata and Bengaluru as well. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we have ensured that within 17 days of the launch of an international airport the ‘Maharshi Valmiki International Airport’, Ayodhya is connected to all four corners of the country. He further said that the connectivity will help devotees from all across the nation to visit the newly built grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Talking about aviation infrastructure in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia commended the support provided by the Uttar Pradesh government in developing airports at a rapid rate. He also announced that this year Uttar Pradesh will have a total of 16 airports and this number will go up to 19 airports by 2025.
Ayodhya is now connected to Delhi in the North, Ahmedabad in the West, Bangalore in the South and Kolkata in the East: Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia
While addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen (Dr.) V.K. Singh(Retd.) thanked Air India Express for starting this flight and also thanked the Uttar Pradesh state government for their continuous support. He also said that the launch of this flight route symbolizes a commitment to expanding air connectivity and promoting accessibility across regions and this initiative will not only boost tourism but also contribute to the economic development of the connected cities.
Operated by Air India Express, the service will be available three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, effective immediately as per the schedule given below.
| Flt Desg | Dept Arp | Arvl Arp | Dept Time | Arrv Time | Freq | Validity |
| IX 0764 | BLR | AYJ | 07:30 | 10:00 | 134 | 17-Jan-24 |
| IX 0764 | AYJ | CCU | 10:30 | 12:15 | 134 | 17-Jan-24 |
| IX 0765 | CCU | AYJ | 12:45 | 14:30 | 134 | 17-Jan-24 |
| IX 0765 | AYJ | BLR | 15:00 | 17:30 | 134 | 17-Jan-24 |
The occasion was further adorned by the presence of distinguished guests, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretory MoCA, Shri Lallu Singh, Member of Parliament, Ayodhya, Shri Ankur Garg, CCO, Air India Express, and other senior officials who added to the significance of the inaugural event.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by Pib.