Get the Inside Scoop on Kushinagar Airport

Kushinagar is a village in the district of Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The village is popular among visitors and devotees as a Buddhist pilgrimage site as it is considered to be the final resting destination of Gautam Buddha, thus the place has been an important spot since ancient times. However, the Kushinagar international airport was built to ease the commute for national, and international passengers and Buddhist pilgrims. Let’s 

Kushinagar International Airport

Kushinagar airport is an international airport that was licenced on August 21 to work as a customs-notified movement serving Buddhist pilgrims and international and national passengers. The airport is being built as a joint venture by the AAI (Airport Authority of India) and the state government of Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar airport officially on October 20, 2021, on Abhidhamma Day at Kushinagar, saying that it would improve the aviation sector and simplify international tourism through Buddhist pilgrims across the world.

Location: Kushinagar airport is situated 54 km east of Gorakhpur airport and 34 km from Deoria.

Characteristics: Kushinagar international airport operates a single runway measuring 3.2 km (10,000 ft) long and 45 m (148 ft) wide, holding number 11/29. The ramp of an airport can easily accommodate five Boeing 737-900 Next Generation aircraft at a time.

Airlines: As of November 2022, SpiceJet is a mere airline serving Kushinagar Airport, running Delhi-Kushinagar flights six times a week. 

Who is the Owner of Kushinagar International Airport?

Kushinagar International Airport is owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, an Indian central ministry responsible for the formation of national programmes and policies for the progress and regulation of civil aviation. The ministry devised and implemented the schemes for the imperative progress and expansion of civil air transport in India. But the operator and builder of the airport are the Airports Authority of India. The AAI built it with an estimated cost of 260 crores, in accordance with the state government of Uttar Pradesh. PM Narendra Modi dedicated the airport. Kushinagar is the third international airport in the state. 

How to Reach Kushinagar Airport?

Kushinagar is a town located on NH 28, which is connected to Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Kanpur in the state. Although there are numerous UP State Road Transport Corporation buses as well as private buses that serve Kushinagar town and the airport,

Also, Gorakhpur airport is the nearest to Kushinagar airport. You can take a cab or taxi to reach Kushinagar airport. UP Civil Aviation’s airstrip is situated 5 km from Kushinagar in Kasia.

Know About the Terminals

The terminal building is spread over an area of 3600 square metres. The new terminal at Kushinagar International Airport is prepared to handle 300 passengers during peak hours.

Facilities at Kushinagar International Airport

Find below the salient features of Kushinagar airport: 

• The airport has an “eat and dine” area where passengers can grab some good food and enjoy their pre-flight time.

• Drinking water facilities:

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Landmark – Terminal Building
• Service – Free

• Child care room

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Landmark – SHA
• Service – Free

• Wheelchair accessibility 

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Landmark – DEP-near entry gate APR-near apron
• Service – Free

• Trolleys

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Service – Free
• Landmark – DEP-near entry gate  ARR-near conveyor belt

• First aid and medical facilities

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Service – Free
• Landmark – Arrival

• Wi-Fi

• Service/Facility available – Yes
• Service – Free

Statistics Kushinagar International Airport

• Kushinagar airport occupies 589 acres of land parcel.
• The airport operates a single runway of 11/29 with dimensions of 3200m*45m with the apron area having 04 nos of parking space for A-321 kind of aircraft.
• The terminal building acquires 3600 sqm to control 300 peak-hour passengers.
• The airport will attract more Buddhist followers from home and abroad.
• The airport has direct connectivity to South Asian nations which will allure more visitors from Japan, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore etc. to reach Kushinagar and endure the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• The airport will increase the export opportunity for products such as bananas, mushrooms, and strawberries.

Top Attractions Around Kushinagar International Airport

Kushinagar is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with several localities nearby and famous attractions to visit, such as:

• Parinirvana Stupa
• Ramabhar Stupa
• Wat Thai Temple
• Japanese Temple
• Matha Kuar Shrine
• Buddhist Museum
• Meditation Park
• Sindhua Asthan

Cities Near Kushinagar International Airport

Below we are listing the city names located within 63 km of Kushinagar International Airport:

• Ramkola
• Hata
• Padrauna
• Kaptanganj
• Deoria
• Pipraich
• Bagaha
• Siswa Bazar
• Rudrapur
• Maharajganj
• Gorakhpur
• Bansgaon
• Bettiah
• Nichlaul
• Gopalganj 

Quick Take

The Kushinagar international airport was established to serve Buddhist pilgrimages. The airport is meant to serve the convenience of local and international visitors by providing them with world-class facilities. Besides this, the airport also improves the export potential of horticulture products in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions