Flights to India May Connect Two More Indian Airports

Lucknow and Varanasi airports in India could well be awarded international status very soon. Fliers taking flights to India will surely look forward to the development as it is likely to enhance their travel options.

International holiday makers taking cheap flights to India could soon have two more airports to choose from when it comes to arriving in the country or conveniently connecting to other South Asian Destinations.

Lucknow and Varanasi airports in India could soon acquire an international status, reported Times of India, country’s leading English daily. The announcement was made by country’s Civil Aviation Minister at the inauguration of the new terminal building at Lucknow airport on Saturday.

Though the two airports have international flights operating from them to West Asia and Nepal, they currently hold an integrated status, which means that both domestic and international flights use the same terminal building to operate.

The Indian minister’s announcement follows the Airport Authority of India’s (AAI) plans to renovate the old terminal building. The report says the terminal is likely to be used for international flight operations, sooner or later.

However, doubts remain about the appeal of Lucknow and Varanasi airports among international airlines. Industry experts believe that the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (where these two airports are located) needs to be developed adequately before these airports attract international flights operating further than Nepal or West Asia. Tour operators hope that the two airports could become a point of entry or exit to the Buddhist circuit which could lure operators from SE Asia and South Asia. The report reveals that there were hints of interest from operators in operating flights to Bangkok and Colombo from Lucknow; however, that is still in very initial stages.

It certainly would be good news for leisure vacationers in case the Lucknow and Varanasi airports get the official international status. More international operators to and from these airports will not only mean swift and convenient connections to these cities and beyond, it could also spell availability of cheap ticket deals on flights to India.

The two cities hold considerable tourism significance not only for the state but for the whole country. While Varanasi is an ancient city recognised the world over by tourists as a top spiritual escapade and continues to tempt spiritual minded to look for cheap flights, Lucknow is fairly popular among the cultural and history enthusiasts for its medieval charms, warm hospitality and rare elegance, besides being a popular gastronomic hub in the region.