‘74 airports before 2014, over 150 now': PM Narendra Modi flags off Hisar-Ayodhya flight; lays foundation stone for new terminal building of airport

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday flagged off a commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and laid the foundation stone for a new terminal building at Maharaja Agrasen Airport.

The terminal, to be built at an estimated cost of over Rs 410 crore, is part of Modi’s vision to make air travel safer, more affordable, and accessible to all.
Addressing a public event in Haryana's Hisar, Modi said, "Before 2014, there were 74 airports in the country, but today there are over 150 airports. Imagine 74 airports in 70 years? Every year, there are record airline passengers in the country. The airline companies have placed orders for 2000 new aircraft. On one the hand, our government is working on connectivity, and on the other hand, ensuring the welfare of the poor and social justice."

The upcoming terminal will feature a modern passenger facility, a cargo terminal, and an air traffic control (ATC) building. The project is expected to be completed within two years.
The launch of the Hisar-Ayodhya flight marks a significant step in boosting Haryana’s aviation connectivity. According to an official statement, scheduled flights will now operate twice a week between Hisar and Ayodhya. Additionally, three weekly flights will connect Hisar to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh.
PM Modi is visiting Haryana to unveil several development projects worth ₹10,000 crore, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar — a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a symbol of Dalit empowerment.
Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with several state ministers, attended the event.