New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday while addressing an inauguration event of Kushinagar International Airport said that the flights connecting Delhi and Kushinagar will begin soon. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport at the site of Lord Buddha's Parinirvana in Uttar Pradesh.
During his address, PM Modi said that the Spicejet flights from Delhi to Kushinagar will begin soon.
While making the announcement, Union Minister Scindia further said the direct flight connecting Delhi and Kushinagar will begin from November 26, 2021, onwards, and will operate for four days a week. The initial flights will be operated by SpiceJet airlines. He further promised that the direct flights connecting Kolkata and Mumbai with Kushinagar Internation Airport will also commence soon.
PM Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport with the first flight from Sri Lanka carrying the Sri Lankan Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa along with a delegation of nearly 100 Buddhist monks, four state ministers and various other officials at the occasion of Vap Poya Day.
PM Modi expressed his happiness on the launch and said, "Kushinagar International Airport is the result of decades of hopes & expectations. My happiness is two-fold today. As curious about the spiritual journey, I have a sense of satisfaction. As a representative of the Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment."
The Kushinagar airport has been built at an estimated cost of ₹260 crores; it will serve the nearby districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is being looked at as an important step in boosting investment and employment opportunities in the region. The airport will facilitate domestic and international pilgrims to visit the 'Mahaparinirvana' site of Lord Buddha and is an endeavour to connect the Buddhist pilgrimage holy sites around the world, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.