Uttar Pradesh’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, powered by improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity. Between April and August 2025 alone, more than 60 lakh passengers flew from airports across the state, a 14.6% jump from the same period last year. The state’s share in India’s total air traffic has now risen to 3.52%, meaning that one in every 30 air passengers in the country travels through Uttar Pradesh.
Rapid rise in passenger traffic
From 59.97 lakh flyers in 2016–17 to 142.28 lakh in 2024–25, Uttar Pradesh’s airports have seen a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. Despite the sharp dip to 48.35 lakh passengers during the pandemic in FY 2020–21, the state witnessed one of the fastest recoveries in India, doubling traffic within two years.
In FY 2024–25, total air passenger numbers grew by 25.9% over the previous year. Domestic traffic rose 15.7%, while international travel increased 4.3%.
City-wise growth: Ayodhya leads the charge
Several key cities have driven this aviation surge. Between 2023–24 and 2024–25:
-
Prayagraj witnessed a 76.4% jump, rising from 6 lakh to 10.77 lakh flyers.
-
Varanasi crossed the 40-lakh mark, up from 30 lakh the previous year.
-
Gorakhpur recorded growth from 6.8 lakh to 8.67 lakh passengers.
-
Kanpur posted a 13.3% increase, while Lucknow grew by 4.1%.
