Air India Resumes Direct Gayaji Delhi Flights After Five Year Hiatus
Air India has officially resumed direct flight operations between Gayaji (Bodh Gaya) and Delhi after a five-year suspension, with bookings now open for the inaugural flight on September 1. This highly anticipated reintroduction of the route is set to significantly benefit both domestic passengers and the large number of international tourists, particularly Buddhist pilgrims, visiting this prominent spiritual and heritage site in Bihar. The renewed air connectivity is a crucial step towards bolstering regional development and promoting cultural tourism sustainably.
According to the airline’s schedule, the daily flight (AI429) will depart from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 at 2:30 PM, arriving at Gayaji Airport by 4:00 PM. The return leg (AI430) will depart Gayaji at 4:40 PM, reaching Delhi at 6:10 PM. Fares for the economy class on this newly resumed route begin at Rs 7,122, while business class tickets are priced up to Rs 25,000. This addition now provides travellers with two direct flight options between the cities, as IndiGo already operates on the same route, enhancing competition and passenger choice.
The resumption of these flights is a major boost for tourism in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations globally, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Improved air connectivity is expected to streamline travel for international visitors from Southeast and Far East Asian countries, for whom Air India has timed these flights to offer convenient one-stop connections via Delhi. This promotes equitable access to cultural sites and fosters an environment for increased international exchange and local economic growth.
The move by Air India highlights the growing demand for improved air infrastructure that supports both economic activity and spiritual tourism, contributing to the development of well-connected and culturally vibrant urban ecosystems. This strategic re-establishment of a vital link after a considerable period underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its domestic network.
