Varanasi: In a major boost to international connectivity, Varanasi is expected to witness the launch of several new international flight services in the coming years. Plans are underway to connect the city directly with destinations such as Singapore, Maldives, Bali, and several Gulf countries, following the ongoing expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.

According to airport officials, the growing demand from passengers for additional domestic and international routes has prompted aviation authorities to begin the necessary groundwork and coordination process. Airport Director Punit Gupta stated that while expansion work is currently underway, the introduction of new flights will become feasible once the infrastructure upgrade is completed.

At present, Varanasi has direct international connectivity to Bangkok, Sharjah, and Nepal. However, with the airport expansion nearing completion, authorities are looking to significantly strengthen the city’s global air links.

The proposed services are expected to benefit thousands of passengers every month and further enhance Varanasi’s importance as a major center for religious tourism, international travel, trade, and business activities. Officials believe that direct connectivity to popular leisure destinations such as Singapore, Maldives, and Bali will also provide a major boost to tourism and reduce dependence on connecting flights from metro cities.

In addition to international routes, plans are also being considered to increase the frequency of domestic flights on existing routes and introduce services to new tourist destinations and hill stations.

If all regulatory approvals and operational formalities are completed on schedule, the new international flight services could begin after the airport expansion project is finalized, with international operations expected to expand significantly by 2027.