24 JUN 2020. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the declaration of Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an International Airport.

Kushinagar Airport is located in the vicinity of several Buddhist Cultural Sites like Sravasti, Kapilvastu, Lumbini (Kushinagar itself is a Buddhist cultural site) and declaration as an “International Airport” will offer improved connectivity, a wider choice of competitive costs to the air-travelers. It will result in boosting domestic/international tourism and economic development of the regions.

Great news for Uttar Pradesh, tourism and those inspired by the noble thoughts of Lord Buddha!

Kushinagar Airport will now be an international airport. Connectivity will improve significantly. More tourists and pilgrims will also mean better opportunities for local population.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2020

Kushinagar is located in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh about 50 km east of Gorakhpur and is one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.