Ayodhya Airport notified as an international airport, to get direct SpiceJet flights from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Darbhanga from Feb 1

SpiceJet announced Friday that it will begin direct flights to Ayodhya from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Darbhanga from February 1. In a statement, the carrier stated that the strategic expansion will help to increase regional air connectivity.

In the statement, SpiceJet said, "SpiceJet is set to further strengthen its network by connecting Ayodhya with eight key cities across the country, commencing from February 1, 2024. In addition to the previously announced non-stop flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, SpiceJet will extend its services to include routes from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Darbhanga starting February 1."

"This strategic expansion is aligned with SpiceJet's commitment to offering seamless travel options to passengers while contributing to the growth of regional connectivity," it added.

Earlier, the airline launched nonstop flights to Ayodhya from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. 

The carrier will also operate a special flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 21, catering to guests attending the Ram temple's dedication event.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that it has notified the Ayodhya Airport as an international airport. It said, "It is hereby notified that Ayodhya Airport in Uttar Pradesh is declared as an International Airport and named as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”, with immediate effect."

Portable disaster hospital BHISHM deployed in Ayodhya for consecration day 

As preparations for the dedication of the Ram temple in Ayodhya continue, the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday that it is working closely with the Uttar Pradesh government to build a thorough medical preparedness and response plan to deal with any potential emergencies.

The first-of-its-kind Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM (an indigenous portable hospital) has been deployed, along with various novel instruments meant to improve disaster response and medical support during calamities.

This cutting-edge technology integrates artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics. The health ministry stated in a statement that it will make it easier to coordinate, monitor, and manage medical services in deployed locations.

"Acknowledging the importance of providing quality healthcare services during this mega gathering event, the ministry of health is collaborating closely with the government of Uttar Pradesh to develop a comprehensive medical preparedness and response plan," the statement said.

(With Agency Inputs)