CM Yogi says 100 chartered planes to land in Ayodhya on Jan 22; 5 more airports in UP

The first tri-weekly flight connecting Ahmedabad and Ayodhya was launched on Thursday, marking the expansion of the riverside U.P. town's aviation infrastructure ahead of the much-awaited consecration ceremony of Ram temple.

Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials flagged off the flight virtually.

The ceremonial inauguration took place amid great enthusiasm, with CM Adityanath personally receiving the boarding pass for the inaugural flight.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that around 100 chartered planes carrying guests to attend the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony are expected to land at the Ayodhya airport on January 22. 

He noted that a large number of plane landings will also help check the potential of the newly-built airport.

Scindia said five new airports will be inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh in one month.

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30.