Ayodhya Airport 2026 — Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Guide for Pilgrims

Ayodhya Airport 2026 — Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Guide for Pilgrims

Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (IATA: AYJ) has grown significantly since the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in January 2024. The airport, built with a temple-inspired architecture reflecting Ram Mandir's design elements, is now a key gateway for domestic and international pilgrims.

This guide covers the latest routes, ground transport to Ram Mandir and Sri Janaki Mahal Trust, and practical tips for first-time flyers to Ayodhya.

Airport Overview

Feature	Details
Official name	Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya
IATA code	AYJ
Location	Faizabad–Ayodhya Road, ~8 km from city centre
Terminal design	Inspired by Ram Mandir's Nagara architecture
Operational hours	As per flight schedule; not 24-hour
Facilities	Food court, prayer room, prepaid taxi counter, ATM

Current Routes (2026)

Ayodhya airport now connects to major Indian cities. Active routes include:

• Delhi (DEL) — Multiple daily flights (IndiGo, Air India)
• Mumbai (BOM) — Direct daily service
• Bengaluru (BLR) — Direct flights available
• Hyderabad (HYD) — Service available
• Kolkata (CCU) — Direct and connecting options
• Chennai (MAA) — Via connecting hubs
• Ahmedabad (AMD) — Seasonal and direct service

Always check airline websites for current schedules — routes are expanding regularly.

From Ayodhya Airport to Sri Janaki Mahal Trust

Sri Janaki Mahal Trust is located at Vasudev Gath, Karsewakpuram — approximately 10–12 km from the airport.

Option 1: Prepaid Taxi (Recommended)

• Available at the official prepaid counter inside arrival terminal
• Fare: approximately ₹300–450 to Karsewakpuram area (confirm current rates at counter)
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic
• Give this address to driver: "Sri Janaki Mahal Trust, Vasudev Gath, Karsewakpuram, near Ram Mandir, Ayodhya"

Option 2: App-Based Cab

• Ola and Rapido are available in Ayodhya but may have limited availability at the airport
• Connect to airport WiFi and book before leaving the terminal
• Drop pin at: 26.8039286, 82.2109433 (Sri Janaki Mahal Trust coordinates)

Option 3: Arranged Pickup

Sri Janaki Mahal Trust does not currently provide airport pickup, but can guide you to trusted local auto/taxi contacts. Call before you land: +91 7082114160

Option 4: Airport Shuttle (if available)

Check with your airline for any pilgrimage shuttle service — some seasonal operators run temple-circuit shuttles during festival periods.

Tips for Flying Into Ayodhya

Book early for festival periods: Flights to AYJ fill fast around Ram Navami, Diwali (Deepotsav), Hanuman Jayanti, and Navratri. Set price alerts at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.

Flight timing vs. arrival: Most Ayodhya flights arrive between 9 AM – 4 PM. An afternoon arrival gives you time to check in, freshen up, and attend the evening Saryu Aarti.

Baggage and security:

• Carry only standard allowed items — religious items like small deities, brass idols, and puja items are generally permitted in check-in baggage
• Confirm liquid rules for panchamrit/gangajal with airline if bringing from home

Airport parking: If driving to the airport for drop-off/pick-up: parking available; nominal fee.

Booking Your Ayodhya Stay Before Flying

Sri Janaki Mahal Trust recommends booking your room before your flight — especially during peak seasons (October–April). Walk-in availability is not guaranteed during festivals.

To book: Call or WhatsApp: +91 7082114160 See: /official-booking | /room-prices

Mention your approximate flight arrival time so the trust can advise on room readiness.

Alternative Entry: Lucknow Airport (LKO)

If direct Ayodhya flights are unavailable from your city, Lucknow (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) is a well-connected alternative:

• Lucknow to Ayodhya: approximately 130 km
• Road time: 2.5–3 hours by taxi or bus
• Taxi fare: ₹1,200–₹1,800 (direct) or Volvo bus (Lucknow–Ayodhya) ~₹150
• See our full guide: /lucknow-to-ayodhya-travel-options-airport-train-taxi

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ayodhya airport have international flights? As of 2026, Ayodhya has limited international connectivity. Most NRI pilgrims fly into Delhi, Mumbai, or Lucknow and then connect to Ayodhya by road or domestic flight.

Is there a lounge at Ayodhya airport? A basic business lounge exists for eligible card/ticket holders. The airport is compact — standard facilities include seating, food stalls, and clean washrooms.

What is the check-in time at AYJ airport? Standard check-in opens 2 hours before departure. The airport is small enough that 45–60 minutes is usually sufficient, but arrive 90 minutes early during festival seasons.

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Sri Janaki Mahal Trust — Registered dharmshala near Ram Mandir, Ayodhya. Official stay booking: +91 7082114160. Coordinates: 26.8039286, 82.2109433.