One in Every Thirty Air Travelers in India Now Flies from Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing aviation hubs, accounting for a significant share of the country’s air travelers. According to the latest aviation data, one out of every thirty air passengers in India now travels from Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the state’s rapid infrastructural progress and expanding connectivity under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership.

 

During the first five months of the current financial year, more than 6 million (60 lakh) passengers flew from airports in Uttar Pradesh — a remarkable 14.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The state recorded an overall 35.2% rise in air passenger traffic over the past few years, underscoring its growing role in the country’s aviation network.

 

Key Airports Driving Growth

Airports in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur have become the major centers of air travel in the state.

• Varanasi leads the chart, handling over 4 million passengers annually.
• Ayodhya, newly connected to the aviation grid, recorded 1.1 million passengers within a short span.
• Prayagraj and Gorakhpur airports have also witnessed significant growth, serving 1.07 million and 867,000 passengers respectively.

 

Long-Term Expansion and Impact

The number of passengers flying from Uttar Pradesh has increased from 27.9 million (2.79 crore) in 2016–17 to 142 million (14.2 crore) by 2024–25, indicating a sixfold rise in just eight years. Passenger growth between 2023–24 and 2024–25 alone stood at 12.99%, signaling the continuing surge in demand for air travel.

 

With major airport infrastructure projects underway — including the Noida International Airport at Jewar, upgrades in Ayodhya and Varanasi, and upcoming airports in Kushinagar, Aligarh, and Azamgarh — Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a strategic aviation hub in North India.

 

Officials stated that the government’s focus on regional air connectivity, improved road linkages, and the introduction of new flight routes under the UDAN scheme have collectively boosted passenger traffic. The state’s aviation growth is expected to further accelerate once the Jewar International Airport becomes operational, giving Uttar Pradesh a place among India’s top aviation states.