Gorakhpur AFS

Gorakhpur Airport is a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) operates it as a civil enclave within the Air Force base. The base operates under the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Military units stationed here include No. 16 Squadron IAF, No. 27 Squadron IAF, and No. 105 Helicopter Unit. These squadrons conduct regular military exercises and participate in rescue operations. SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft and Mil Mi-17 helicopters are based at this facility. As of May 2024, the air base is undergoing an upgrade to support the joint deployment of MQ-9B drones by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The airport features one runway, designated 11/29, with an asphalt surface. The existing terminal building, inaugurated in June 2017, has an area of 23,500 sq.ft and can handle 200 passengers during peak hours. In March 2021, a foundation stone was laid for an extension of the terminal building, which will expand its area to 3,440 sq.m and include additional facilities like conveyor belts, check-in counters, escalators, and an expanded security holding area. A new terminal capable of handling 10 aircraft simultaneously is proposed, with construction expected to begin by March 2025.