Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the start of international flights from the Kushinagar airport by Diwali which falls on November 14. The airport is located about 52 km east of Gorakhpur, the home district of the Chief Minister.

Talking about the strategic importance of the Kushinagar airport,  Chief Minister Adityanath said in a statement that this entire region is part of India's "Buddha Circuit" and this facility will increase the inflow of foreign tourists. He said there is an immense potential of tourism in the eastern Uttar Pradesh region and officials have been directed to prepare an action plan in consultation with the public representatives to showcase it as an international tourist hub.

With a growing number of youths from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh flying to various Gulf countries for employment, this airport would also become handy for them in reaching their destinations.

The Union Cabinet in June this year had decided to recognise Kushinagar as an international airport -- the 29th in the country and fourth in Uttar Pradesh, including the upcoming Jewar airport.

(IANS)