Kushinagar airport started Domestic flight operation from 26 N0vemebr 2021 | Image Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/
Kushinagar airport started Domestic flight operation from 26 N0vemebr 2021. The first flight started between Delhi and Kushinagar. The flight operates under the RCS-UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme – UdeDesh Ka Aam Nagrik). Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport on 20 October 2021. Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the only state in India to have five international airports.
The flight schedule is below:
| Flight Number | Origin | Destination | Airline | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| SG2987 | Delhi | Kushinagar | SpiceJet | 12:00 | 13:35 | 1,3,5,7 |
| SG2988 | Kushinagar | Delhi | SpiceJet | 13:55 | 15:50 | 1,3,5,7 |
About Kushinagar International Airport
Kushinagar is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Here Lord Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana. As a result, Kushinagar is centre of Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. In addition, Lumbini, Sarnathand, and Gaya also form a part of the circuit. The operationalization of the Kushinagar airport will connect this region directly with national and global visitors and pilgrims.
The Airports Authority of India has developed the Kushinagar Airport with a new terminal building spread across 3600sqm. Developed in cooperation with the government of Uttar Pradesh, it is estimated to cost Rs 260 crore. At peak times, the new terminal can handle 300 passengers.
SpiceJet got the Kushinagar – Delhi route under RCS-UDAN 4.0. Flying this route will boost tourism, hospitality, and the local economy.
Through the UDAN system, 395 routes and 63 airports, including 6 heliports and 2 water aerodromes, have so far been operationalized.