Gaya: The Gaya International Airport witnessed a busy day on Wednesday as it successfully handled international flight operations on the Gaya-Bangkok and Gaya-Yangon sectors, alongside its regular domestic service on the Gaya-Delhi route. The surge in flight operations marks a significant boost for the region, particularly for the influx of pilgrims visiting Bodh Gaya.According to airport officials, Myanmar Airways International operated three flights on the Yangon-Gaya-Yangon route, bringing 456 passengers to Gaya. The three flights carried 156, 135 and 165 passengers respectively. On the return leg, 253 passengers departed for Yangon.Thai Airways also operated its Bangkok-Gaya-Bangkok service, bringing 108 passengers from the Thai capital, while 147 passengers boarded the return flight from Gaya. On the domestic sector, Air India’s Delhi-Gaya-Delhi flight brought 124 passengers to Gaya, while 131 passengers travelled from Gaya to New Delhi.Airport acting director Awadhesh Kumar said the simultaneous operation of international and domestic flights reflected the growing demand for travel to Bodh Gaya, especially during the pilgrimage season.The development comes days after chief minister Samrat Choudhary flagged off the direct Bangkok-Gaya service. The expanded air connectivity is expected to strengthen religious tourism and facilitate easier access for Buddhist pilgrims from Southeast Asian countries.Meanwhile, the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) has released a calendar of 41 annual world peace puja programmes to be organised by various Buddhist organisations at the Unesco World Heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara till March 5, 2027.Tourist Guide Association of Bihar president Rakesh Kumar said the enhanced flight connectivity would make travel easier for Buddhist devotees from countries such as Myanmar and Thailand, encouraging greater footfall in Bodh Gaya during the upcoming tourist season.
