On 25 December 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the first inter-district helicopter service from Bateshwar to Agra-Mathura. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the first inter-district helicopter service on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Operation of inter-district helicopter service on PPP mode:
- This is the first inter-district helicopter service to fly to Govardhan from the heliport at Etmadpur Mathura, located on the Inner Ring Road. This service will be operated in PPP mode.
- Based on the PPP model, this service will be run by a private company from Uttarakhand. It will cover a distance of 65 km between Agra and Mathura.
Agreement with M/s Rajas Aerosport & Adventure Pvt. Ltd.:
- On December 12, 2023, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh signed an agreement with M/s Rajas Aerosport and Adventure Private Limited in Lucknow.
- Agra Heliport has been given on lease to the company for 30 years. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured the beneficiaries of various schemes in Bateshwar.
Important Airports of Uttar Pradesh:
- Uttar Pradesh has 3 international and 6 domestic airports, all of which claim to have good facilities and infrastructure. It also has several upcoming flying schools and airports to improve connectivity and tourism.
- In view of the advantageous geographical location of Uttar Pradesh, these airports play an important role in providing a dynamic environment of growth and development.
International Airports in Uttar Pradesh:
- There are 3 operational international airports in UP.
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow
- Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi
- Kushinagar International Airport, Kushinagar
- There are many new international airports under construction in the state. These include mainly
- Jewar International Airport, Gautam Buddha Nagar
- Taj International Airport, Greater Noida
- Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, Ayodhya
- The upcoming airports are expected to begin operations in 2024.
Important facts related to airports in India:
- There are 123 airports serving commercial flights in India, some of which are for civil and military use.
- A total of 486 airports, airstrips, flying schools and military bases are available in the country.