Moradabad is the Brass City — the place where 80% to 90% of India’s brassware and handicrafts for export are produced. The metal-working tradition has been in Moradabad since the Mughal era, when the area’s artisans developed distinctive engraving and finishing techniques on brass, copper, and glass. Today, Moradabad’s export economy is worth thousands of crores annually, supplying decorative and functional brass items to US, UK, European, and Gulf markets. For this export hub — approximately 165 km east of Delhi on NH-9 — commercial aviation has been elusive. Moradabad Airport at Pak Pattan Nagar carries IATA code MZS and ICAO code VIMB. It opened on 10 August 2024, built by upgrading an existing government airstrip with a new passenger terminal and runway. In its first partial year (2024–25), it handled 572 passengers and 82 aircraft movements — very thin numbers. FlyBig operated initial services, which were suspended with FlyBig’s December 2025 operational halt.
Quick Overview: Moradabad Airport
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Moradabad Airport |
| Location | Pak Pattan Nagar, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Airport Type | Public — Domestic |
| IATA Code | MZS |
| ICAO Code | VIMB |
| Owner | Government of India |
| Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Opened | 10 August 2024 |
| Construction Start | 2015 (completed June 2022; operational August 2024) |
| MoU | February 2014 (UP Government — AAI) |
| Elevation | 194 m / 637 ft AMSL |
| Coordinates | 28°49′10″N, 78°55′24″E |
| Distance from City Centre | Approximately 8–10 km |
| Passengers (2024–25) | 572 (partial year) |
| Aircraft Movements (2024–25) | 82 |
| Inaugural Airline | FlyBig |
| Current Status | FlyBig suspended December 2025 — confirm current service |
| Nearest Major Airport | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow (~165 km) |
Moradabad Airport Location: Pak Pattan Nagar, Brass Belt Hub
Moradabad Airport is located at Pak Pattan Nagar, approximately 8 to 10 km from Moradabad city centre. The coordinates are 28°49′10″N, 78°55′24″E, at an elevation of 194 metres above sea level — the Rohilkhand plains of western Uttar Pradesh, between the foothills of the Shivalik range to the north and the Ganga basin to the south.
The brass export economy gives Moradabad a commercial aviation case distinct from most UP cities. International buyers visiting brass showrooms and factories — from the US, Europe, Middle East — represent an executive travel demand stream. The city also serves as the gateway to Rampur (approximately 45 km east, home to the Raza Library with its extraordinary collection of Islamic manuscripts) and to Nainital in Uttarakhand (approximately 150 km north). Bare figures: Moradabad’s export turnover exceeds ₹15,000 crore annually, making it one of UP’s most significant export cities.
The airport’s development history is long and delayed. Construction began in 2015, completed in June 2022, but the airport did not open for commercial operations until August 2024 — a 9-year journey from MoU to inaugural flight.
Code, Terminal and Airlines
IATA MZS and ICAO VIMB are the formal codes. The airstrip was upgraded from a government facility with a new runway, taxiway, approach road, and passenger terminal under the AAI-UP government development project. Rites Limited won the original construction contract but it was cancelled and re-awarded to the UP State Construction Corporation.
FlyBig launched inaugural services to connect Moradabad domestically using DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. With FlyBig’s complete operational suspension in December 2025, Moradabad Airport’s commercial activity halted. As of mid-2026, confirm whether a replacement UDAN airline had launched services.
The 572 passengers in 2024–25 and 82 aircraft movements reflect the very early partial-year launch phase before FlyBig’s suspension.
Connectivity and Amenities
By Air: No confirmed scheduled flights after FlyBig’s December 2025 suspension. Confirm current status with AAI or UDAN operator listings before any travel planning.
By Road: Delhi is approximately 165 km west via NH-9 (National Highway 9) — about 2.5 to 3 hours. Lucknow is approximately 360 km southeast. Bareilly is approximately 55 km west. Nainital is approximately 150 km north via the Haldwani corridor. UPSRTC buses and private taxis serve inter-city routes from Moradabad.
By Rail: Moradabad Junction Railway Station — on the Delhi-Lucknow and Delhi-Bareilly rail lines of North Central Railway — is approximately 8 to 10 km from the airport. Trains connect to Delhi (~3 hours), Lucknow (~5 hours), Bareilly (~1 hour), and other cities.
Amenities: UDAN-standard compact terminal with check-in counter, security screening, waiting area, and restrooms. No commercial lounge. Basic refreshments.
FAQs: Moradabad Airport
Q1. What is the IATA code for Moradabad Airport?
MZS is the IATA code and VIMB is the ICAO code. The airport is at Pak Pattan Nagar, Moradabad, UP, opened 10 August 2024.
Q2. Are there commercial flights from Moradabad Airport?
FlyBig operated initial services but suspended all operations in December 2025. As of mid-2026, confirm whether a replacement airline had commenced UDAN services.
Q3. Why is Moradabad called the Brass City?
Moradabad produces 80% to 90% of India’s brass and brassware exports — the city’s metal-engraving tradition dates to the Mughal era. Annual export turnover exceeds ₹15,000 crore, with buyers visiting from the US, UK, Europe, and Gulf.
Q4. How long did Moradabad Airport take to build?
An MoU was signed in February 2014. Construction began 2015 and completed June 2022. Commercial operations launched August 2024 — a 10-year journey from MoU to inaugural flight.
Q5. What is the nearest major airport to Moradabad?
Hindon Airport (HDO, Ghaziabad) at approximately 110 km is the nearest commercial airport with active scheduled services. IGI Delhi is approximately 165 km. Bareilly Airport (BEK) is approximately 55 km west.
