Uttar Pradesh Sees Steady Rise in Air Passenger Movement and Cargo Traffic

Strategic Insights -

Uttar Pradesh has experienced a remarkable growth in air passenger movement and cargo traffic in the current financial year, driven by upgraded airport facilities, expansion of flight networks, and the increasing role of emerging regional airports. As a result, the state has witnessed a significant increase in passenger traffic, with cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur showing notable increases due to tourism activity, business travel, and improved regional connectivity. The growth is also attributed to the state's share in the country's total air passenger traffic rising to 3.52% during the same period.

Key Takeaways:

  • Passenger traffic at airports in Uttar Pradesh increased by 14.6% year-on-year to reach around 60 lakh travelers between April and August 2025, reflecting a significant growth in air connectivity and infrastructure development across the state.
  • Domestic passenger traffic grew by 15.7% between April and August 2025, while international traffic rose by 4.3%, indicating a strong demand for air travel in the state.
  • Several airports in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Gorakhpur, have shown significant increases in passenger volumes, with Varanasi witnessing a growth of 25.9% in total air passenger movement and Ayodhya recording a rise of 439.5% due to the opening of the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport.
  • Air cargo volumes have also grown in recent years, with Uttar Pradesh recording a cargo CAGR of 19.1% between FY 2016-17 and FY 2024-25, with total tonnage rising from 5,890 metric tonnes to 28,360 metric tonnes.
  • The state's share in national air cargo traffic reached 0.79% between April and August 2025, indicating a substantial growth in cargo transport through the state.
  • Infrastructure expansion and upcoming connectivity projects, such as the Noida International Airport at Jewar, are expected to become a major aviation hub for North India, supporting tourism, logistics growth, and cross-border movement of goods and passengers.
  • Airport-linked development corridors are being planned in several districts to support business activity and travel-related services, and increased flight connectivity has encouraged new investments in hotels, transport services, and travel-related infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • Passenger traffic increased by 14.6% year-on-year to reach around 60 lakh travelers between April and August 2025.
  • Domestic passenger traffic grew by 15.7% between April and August 2025.
  • International passenger traffic rose by 4.3% between April and August 2025.
  • Varanasi witnessed a growth of 25.9% in total air passenger movement.
  • Ayodhya recorded a rise of 439.5% due to the opening of the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport.
  • Air cargo volumes grew by 19.1% between FY 2016-17 and FY 2024-25.
  • Total tonnage rose from 5,890 metric tonnes to 28,360 metric tonnes between FY 2016-17 and FY 2024-25.
  • Uttar Pradesh's share in national air cargo traffic reached 0.79% between April and August 2025.

Sources:

  • "Uttar Pradesh sees steady rise in air passenger movement and cargo traffic" by Hindustan Times (October 29, 2025)