In honour of the well-known poet who is credited with penning the epic Ramayana, the airport was renamed Maharshi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhyadham
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open an airport in the temple town of Ayodhyadham on December 30 before the temple's inauguration ceremony. In addition, as part of the lead-up to the major consecration ceremony on January 22, he will also make speeches at public gatherings, open the newly renovated Ayodhyadham train station, and conduct a roadshow.
In honour of the well-known poet who is credited with penning the epic Ramayana, the airport was renamed Maharshi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhyadham, according to an India Today report.
The newly built airport in Ayodhyadham is set to become a significant entrance to the shrine town. The first phase of the airport building is expected to cost around Rs 1,450 crore.
The airport will see its first flight on December 30 by IndiGo and Air India. Flying to Ayodhyadham from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad will commence in January 2024, according to the announcements made by both airlines.
Insiders state that the new airport's design is intended to evoke the jubilant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhyadham following his triumphant conquest of the demon king, Ravana, while also reflecting the spirit of the sacred Ram Mandir. The idea is to give "a sense of place to all passengers arriving and departing from the airport," according to the sources.
Shikharas of various heights are affixed to the terminal building's roof, highlighting the building's magnificence. The terminal has ornate columns highlighting significant Ramayana epic events and these many shikharas.
According to airport authorities, the colonnade graphically tells the story of Lord Rama, which will immerse visitors in the experience. Furthermore, a secondary colonnade situated on the glass facade of the station endeavours to replicate the ambiance of the Ayodhyadham palace.
The 6,500-square-meter new terminal building can handle up to 600 passengers during peak hours and up to 10 lakh passengers annually.
According to sources, the second phase of expansion would involve constructing a new terminal building that will occupy 50,000 square meters and have the capacity to accommodate 60 lakh people yearly in addition to 3,000 passengers during peak hours. In this phase, a parallel taxi track, an apron for an extra 18 aircraft parking stands, and a runway extension up to 3,750 meters to accommodate Code E B-777-type aircraft are also planned.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration, read inside details of Maharshi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}