[9] The central government approved a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) of 20% for the construction of Kushinagar Airport in 2013.

[11] The project was initially intended to be developed on the public-private partnership model at an estimated cost of ₹ 354 crores.

The State Government selected IL&FS Infrastructure Development Company Limited as project consultants.

In May 2015, the state government decided to take the support of Airport Authority of India to move ahead with the project.

[18] On 20 October 2021, PM Modi officially inaugurated the airport during Abhidhamma Day celebrations at Kushinagar, stating that it would boost the aviation sector and help increase international tourism from Buddhist pilgrims around the world.