The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has arranged special lounges for VIP guests, while the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has deployed approximately 150 personnel, according to an ET report. To accommodate the guests due to space constraints at Ayodhya airport, the CISF has also increased its presence at nearby airports. These airports include Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Khajuraho, Jabalpur, and Bhopal.
“We have done multiple dry runs and have also increased strength in airports in the vicinity,” a senior CISF official said.
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With over 100 charter flights scheduled to transport guests to Ayodhya on Monday, there will not be enough parking space available. Ayodhya airport director Vinod Kumar informed that the demand has been so high that they had to deny landing permits for charter flights of several corporate bosses and celebrities. These flights will now have to land at nearby airports like Lucknow and Varanasi, and the guests will have to travel by road for approximately 2-4 hours.
Flight plan for Ayodhya Airport
The airport has eight bays to accommodate aircraft and helicopters for the prime minister’s entourage, which includes the special flight Air India One and helicopters. Scheduled flights are also operating, so no permission has been given for parking other charter planes.
In accordance with security protocols, the airport will be closed for operations 30 minutes before and after Prime Minister Modi’s arrival. The airport has established immigration and customs clearance enclosures for international arrivals. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited representatives from 50 foreign countries to attend the ceremony.
Several notable personalities arrived in Lucknow to attend the event, including actors Amitabh Bachhan and Pawan Kalyan, ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi Mittal, and the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt. Lucknow airport has made arrangements to accommodate eight charter aircraft for the ceremony. A special lounge has been set up for the guests to rest before heading to Ayodhya.
Senior CISF officials are present in Ayodhya to oversee security. The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned an armed contingent of 150 personnel, which will be enhanced in phases on the 821-acre area of Ayodhya airport.