• The Union Cabinet has given its approval for declaration of Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an international airport, stating that it will offer improved connectivity to the important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
• Kushinagar will be India's 29th international airport and will enhance the connectivity which will inturn increase tourism and hospitality in the region. 

About Kushinagar

• Kushinagar is located in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh about 50 km east of Gorakhpur and is one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Kushinagar is a pilgrimage town in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Buddhists believe Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death. It is an international Buddhist pilgrimage centre.