Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport (IATA: IXD, ICAO: VEAB), is a vital transportation hub in the Bamrauli suburb of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, about 12 kilometers from the city center. As one of India’s oldest airports, it serves as both a domestic airport and an Indian Air Force base, managed jointly by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Central Air Command. With the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 drawing millions of pilgrims, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to handle increased traffic and enhance passenger experience. As of July 31, 2025, here’s a detailed look at the latest developments at Prayagraj Airport, based on reliable sources, to guide travelers and pilgrims visiting this culturally rich city.
A Historic Airport with a Modern Facelift
Prayagraj Airport has a storied past, dating back to February 18, 1911, when Henri Piquet flew a Humber biplane carrying mail from a polo field in Allahabad to Naini, marking the start of domestic commercial aviation in India. By 1924, a dedicated airfield was established, and in 1931, it became one of India’s first four international airports, offering flights to London until 1932. Today, it’s a bustling domestic airport, ranked as the third busiest in Uttar Pradesh after Lucknow and Varanasi, and it has played a pivotal role during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, held from January 13 to February 26.
The airport’s transformation began in earnest ahead of the Kumbh Mela 2019, with a new civil terminal extension built in just 11 months by Tata Projects. A larger terminal was completed in January 2025, merging with the existing structure to create a single, modern facility. This upgrade expanded the terminal area from 6,700 square meters to 25,500 square meters, boosting peak-hour passenger capacity from 540 to 1,080 in the old terminal and adding 1,620 in the new one. The airport now handles up to 2,050 passengers per hour, a significant leap from its earlier capacity of 350.
Maha Kumbh 2025: Record-Breaking Traffic
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a once-in-144-year event, brought an estimated 60 crore devotees to Prayagraj, far exceeding the initial projection of 40 crore. This massive influx pushed Prayagraj Airport to new heights, with the facility handling over 5.59 lakh passengers across 46 days of the festival. On February 16, 2025, the airport set a record by managing 120 scheduled flights and 20,297 passengers in a single day, a stark contrast to its pre-Maha Kumbh average of 16 flights and 2,059 passengers daily. Between January 13 and February 16, the airport averaged 57 flights and 8,929 passengers per day, a sevenfold increase in passenger traffic and sixfold in flight operations compared to early January.
To accommodate this surge, the airport expanded its infrastructure. The number of aerobridges increased from two to six, making Prayagraj the first domestic airport in Uttar Pradesh with this many boarding bridges, surpassing Varanasi’s four and trailing only Lucknow’s eight. The apron area now supports 15 aircraft parking bays, up from four, accommodating up to seven Airbus A320s and eight smaller aircraft. Additional upgrades include a new taxiway, five conveyor belts (up from two), 42 check-in counters (up from eight), and 11 gates (up from four). These improvements, funded by a ₹152.87 crore budget from the state government, ensured smoother operations during the Mela.
Enhanced Connectivity and Services
Prayagraj Airport’s connectivity has seen a dramatic boost. Before the Maha Kumbh, it served eight cities; by January 2025, this grew to 17 direct destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Dehradun, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Over 132 direct flights offered 80,000 monthly seats, with 81 additional flights added in January to meet demand. Airlines like IndiGo, Alliance Air, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate regular services, with SpiceJet adding 43,000 seats in February and Akasa Air launching flights from Ahmedabad and Bangalore. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensured airlines provided sufficient capacity during peak days, such as the Shahi Snan on January 29 and February 3.
Passenger amenities have also improved. The airport now offers meet-and-greet assistance for differently-abled travelers, prepaid taxi counters, and a city bus service in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government. Medical facilities include ambulance and air ambulance services, and arriving pilgrims are welcomed with flowers. A comprehensive security plan, including 24/7 surveillance and a Quick Reaction Team from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), ensures safety. A mock emergency drill on June 27, 2025, tested the airport’s preparedness for crash scenarios, demonstrating its commitment to operational readiness.
Push for International Status
A significant development is the ongoing push to upgrade Prayagraj Airport to international status. On October 18, 2024, the airport authority applied to the city administration and civil aviation authority to start international flights, aiming to ease travel for pilgrims from abroad during the Maha Kumbh. The new terminal is equipped to handle international operations, but as of July 31, 2025, the airport remains domestic, with plans for international flights to Gulf countries and Southeast Asia still under consideration. This move would benefit the large diaspora from eastern Uttar Pradesh and nearby districts like Pratapgarh and Kaushambi, who currently travel to Lucknow or Delhi for international flights. Cargo services are also in the pipeline, with land identified and ministry approval pending.
Post-Maha Kumbh Challenges
Despite its success during the Maha Kumbh, the airport has faced challenges. By March 29, 2025, reports indicated no flights had operated for a month, raising concerns about underutilization post-Mela. Connectivity dropped from 13 cities before the Maha Kumbh to seven, reflecting a seasonal dip in demand. However, the airport’s ranking as the eighth-best in customer satisfaction among 61 Indian airports from January to June 2025 highlights its improved facilities and service quality.
Nearby Amenities and Accessibility
Located at the intersection of NH2 and NH27, Prayagraj Airport is easily accessible by car, with taxis and buses like Redbus connecting it to nearby cities. Hotels near the airport, such as Hotel Grand Continental, Hotel Prayag, Kohinoor Hotel, and Milan Palace, cater to various budgets. The airport’s proximity to cultural landmarks like the Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj Fort, and Anand Bhawan makes it a convenient entry point for tourists.
Looking Ahead
Prayagraj Airport has solidified its role as a key hub for religious tourism, particularly during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Its modernized infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and focus on passenger comfort have elevated it to India’s top 20 busiest airports, with over 1 million passengers in the financial year 2024-25. While the push for international status continues, travelers can expect a seamless experience with enhanced facilities.
