Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya — Flights, Routes & Travel Guide
Since its inauguration in January 2024, Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham (IATA: AYJ) has transformed how pilgrims reach Ayodhya. What was once an overnight train journey from Delhi is now a 90-minute flight. The airport, named after the sage Maharshi Valmiki who composed the Ramayana, now connects Ayodhya to major cities across India — making the pilgrimage accessible to millions more devotees.
This guide covers the routes, airlines, fares, and everything you need to plan a smooth flight to Ayodhya.
About the Airport
- Official name: Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham
- IATA code: AYJ
- ICAO code: VEAY
- Distance from Ram Mandir: ~8 km (20–25 minutes by taxi)
- Distance from Birla Dharmashala: ~8 km (20–25 minutes by taxi)
- Status: International airport (currently operating mostly domestic routes, with capacity for future international flights)
The airport was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in December 2023 and began scheduled commercial operations in January 2024, in time for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. Its design draws inspiration from the architecture of Ram Mandir.
Direct Flight Routes
Ayodhya Airport now has direct connections to 8+ major Indian cities. The Delhi route is by far the busiest, accounting for roughly 44% of all weekly departures.
| From | Airlines | Approx. Flight Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | IndiGo, Akasa Air | 1–1.5 hours | ~15 flights/week |
| Mumbai (BOM) | IndiGo, Air India | 2–2.5 hours | Daily (seasonal) |
| Bengaluru (BLR) | IndiGo | 2.5–3 hours | Several per week |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | IndiGo | 2–2.5 hours | Several per week |
| Ahmedabad (AMD) | IndiGo | 2 hours | Several per week |
| Jaipur (JAI) | IndiGo | 1.5 hours | Seasonal |
| Patna (PAT) | IndiGo | 1 hour | Several per week |
| Chennai (MAA) | IndiGo | 2.5–3 hours | Seasonal |
| Darbhanga (DBR) | IndiGo | 1 hour | Seasonal |
Important: Flight schedules and frequencies change frequently, and routes are sometimes seasonal. Always verify current availability on the airline website or a flight aggregator like Google Flights before planning.
Airlines Operating at Ayodhya
- IndiGo — the largest operator at AYJ, with the widest network (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and more)
- Akasa Air — primarily operates the busy Delhi route
- Air India — offers connectivity to Ayodhya, including Mumbai connections
For the most current schedules, check directly with IndiGo, Akasa Air, or Air India.
Approximate Air Fares
Fares vary widely based on how early you book, the season, and proximity to festivals. Indicative round-trip fares:
| Route | Off-Season (Round Trip) | Festival Season |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Ayodhya | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000+ |
| Mumbai – Ayodhya | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000+ |
| Bengaluru – Ayodhya | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 | ₹13,000 – ₹20,000+ |
Book 4–6 weeks ahead for the best fares, and much earlier for festival travel (Ram Navami, Deepotsav, Diwali).
Getting From the Airport to Ram Mandir
Once you land, reaching the temple area is straightforward:
| Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid / app-based taxi | 20–25 minutes | ₹300–₹500 |
| Auto-rickshaw | 25–30 minutes | ₹150–₹250 |
| Private hotel pickup | 20–25 minutes | Varies |
Taxis and autos are available outside the terminal. If you are staying at Birla Dharmashala, call us at +91 87963 59334 ahead of your arrival and we can help arrange a pickup or guide your driver. We are about 8 km from the airport — see our location and walking distance guide.
Flying vs Train vs Road — Which Is Best?
| If You Are Coming From | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad | Fly — saves 8–20 hours |
| Lucknow (130 km) | Train or road — 2–3 hours, cheaper |
| Varanasi (200 km) | Train or road — 4–5 hours |
| Prayagraj (160 km) | Train or road — 3–4 hours |
| Patna, Eastern UP | Fly or train — both reasonable |
| Within Uttar Pradesh | Train or road — most practical |
For a full comparison of trains and bus routes, see our how to reach Ayodhya guide.
Tips for Flying to Ayodhya
- Book early for festivals — flights to Ayodhya during Ram Navami and Deepotsav sell out weeks ahead and fares surge
- Arrive in the morning where possible — you can often attend evening darshan the same day if your flight lands before noon
- Carry a printed booking confirmation for your accommodation — network at the airport can be patchy
- Keep small cash handy for taxis and autos, though UPI is widely accepted
- Combine with a Ramayan circuit — if you have time, visit Varanasi and Prayagraj in the same trip. See our Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj pilgrimage circuit guide
- Allow buffer time on departure — Ayodhya Airport is smaller than metro airports but security lines can grow during festival departures
Plan Your Stay After You Land
Whether you fly in for a single darshan or a week-long pilgrimage, Birla Dharmashala offers the closest comfortable accommodation to Ram Mandir, with fixed trust rates that do not surge even during peak festival season. Book your room through our booking page or call +91 87963 59334, and we will help coordinate your airport pickup and temple visit.
Jai Shri Ram — wherever you begin your journey, may it end at His feet. 🙏