A Right to Information query has revealed significant turbulence in Uttar Pradesh’s aviation expansion. According to data shared by the Airports Authority of India, six of seven airports launched after 2021 have suspended scheduled commercial flights. Ayodhya remains the only newly inaugurated airport that continues regular passenger operations.
The findings present a stark contrast between ambitious infrastructure announcements and actual operational sustainability. Moreover, the RTI response highlights a widening gap between projected demand and real passenger traffic. Consequently, questions have emerged regarding route planning, airline interest and long-term feasibility.
Kushinagar’s Rise and Rapid Decline
Kushinagar International Airport marked an early milestone in the state’s airport push. Authorities inaugurated the airport on October 20, 2021, and scheduled flights began on November 26, 2021. Initially, the airport showed encouraging signs of activity and steady flight movement.
In fact, Kushinagar recorded its highest monthly performance in March 2022 with 54 scheduled flights. However, the numbers gradually declined through 2023 as flight frequency reduced consistently. By November 2023, only six scheduled flights operated during the month before services stopped completely.
Subsequently, RTI data confirms that scheduled commercial flights dropped to zero for most months in 2024 and 2025. Despite halted passenger operations, operational expenditure at the airport continued. The RTI states that the total construction cost of Kushinagar International Airport reached approximately Rs 327.30 crore.
Furthermore, operational expenses included nearly Rs 719.89 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs 759.35 lakh in 2024-25 so far. Therefore, while passenger movement stopped, financial commitments continued.
Ayodhya Stands Alone Among New Airports
In contrast, Ayodhya airport continues scheduled operations without reported suspension. Authorities inaugurated Ayodhya airport on December 30, 2023, and flights commenced on January 10, 2024. According to RTI data, the airport remains operational at present.
However, the remaining airports tell a different story altogether. Airports at Azamgarh, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Shravasti and Moradabad were inaugurated largely in March 2024. Nevertheless, most of them saw flight services suspended within months of launch.
Azamgarh and Chitrakoot operated for roughly eight to nine months before suspension. Meanwhile, Moradabad functioned for only about three months before flights stopped. Similarly, Shravasti and Aligarh also experienced quick suspension shortly after beginning services.
Consequently, six of seven newly launched airports now remain without scheduled commercial flights.
Kanpur’s Expansion Offers a Contrast
While new airports struggled, Kanpur presents a contrasting example of sustained growth. Although Kanpur already had an airport, authorities inaugurated a newly developed civil enclave on May 26, 2023. Passenger services started on June 7, 2023, and operations have continued without suspension.
Moreover, the upgraded terminal is nearly sixteen times larger than the previous facility. This expansion appears to have driven steady passenger growth. Between June and December 2023, Kanpur airport handled 1,70,214 passengers.
In 2024, passenger numbers rose to 2,89,577. Furthermore, in 2025, traffic increased to 3,64,075 passengers. Within two years of the new terminal’s opening, annual passenger movement more than doubled.
The RTI also notes that the civil enclave construction cost amounted to Rs 122.14 crore. Additionally, maintenance expenses totalled Rs 1.09 crore till September 2025. Therefore, Kanpur demonstrates how infrastructure upgrades aligned with demand can produce sustained growth.
Agra Maintains Steady Activity
Agra airport also presents consistent performance despite not being part of the post-2021 expansion list. According to RTI data, the airport handled 1,19,868 arrivals and 1,19,890 departures in 2025. This brings total passenger traffic to 2,39,758 for the year.
Thus, established airports with existing demand bases appear more stable.
Broader Questions on Planning and Viability
Taken together, the RTI findings highlight two sharply different trends in Uttar Pradesh’s aviation landscape. On one side, newly launched regional airports struggle to sustain scheduled commercial operations. On the other side, expanded or established facilities continue to register steady passenger growth.
Therefore, the contrast raises questions about demand forecasting, airline participation and long-term route viability. Additionally, experts may examine whether regional connectivity schemes aligned adequately with passenger demand.
Furthermore, the data underscores the importance of careful planning before large infrastructure investments. While airport construction signals development ambition, operational sustainability ultimately determines success.
Consequently, policymakers may need to reassess passenger projections and airline engagement strategies. As Uttar Pradesh continues its aviation push, balancing expansion with demand realism will remain crucial.
