Gorakhpur Airport's ₹900 Crore Boost for Modern Aviation Hub

On 24 June 2025, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Government of Uttar Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a new civil enclave at Gorakhpur Airport, marking a major step in upgrading the region’s aviation infrastructure.

Under the agreement, the IAF will transfer 44 acres of land for the enclave’s development, while the state government will provide an equivalent land parcel to the IAF elsewhere. According to Airport Director R.K. Prasher, construction is expected to commence post-monsoon, as part of a broader ₹900 crore central government investment plan aimed at transforming Gorakhpur Airport into a modern aviation hub.

Although the airport is owned by the IAF, civil operations are managed by AAI. The planned expansion includes a new terminal building, runway extension, and advanced navigation systems such as DVOR and DME to enable all-weather operations. The upgraded infrastructure will also allow the airport to accommodate up to 10 aircraft simultaneously.

In FY 2024–25, Gorakhpur Airport handled approximately 8.7 lakh passengers and recorded over 5,600 aircraft movements, highlighting the growing demand for enhanced capacity and improved facilities.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.