Prayagraj Airport has undergone a major expansion to accommodate the surge in travellers for Maha Kumbh 2025, with enhanced connectivity, upgraded infrastructure, and increased flight operations. From 13 January to 26 February, the airport will handle a significant influx of devotees, supported by 81 additional flights. This expansion brings the total number of flights to 132, offering approximately 80,000 monthly seats. Direct connectivity has increased from 8 to 17 cities, with overall flight access extending to 26 destinations, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam.
To manage peak travel demand, Akasa Air will introduce flights from Ahmedabad on 28 and 29 January, with further services in February, adding around 4,000 seats from Ahmedabad and Bangalore. SpiceJet is set to launch flights from Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, increasing capacity by 43,000 seats in February. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised airlines to ensure adequate capacity and keep airfares in check, especially on peak bathing days such as 29 January and 3, 4, 12, and 26 February.
The expansion has already led to record passenger traffic. In just one week, the airport handled 30,172 passengers and 226 flights, surpassing 5,000 daily passengers for the first time. For the first time in 106 years, Prayagraj Airport has introduced night flights, enabling 24/7 operations.
Significant upgrades have been made to the terminal and airport facilities. The terminal area has expanded from 6,700 sq. m. to 25,500 sq. m., increasing peak-hour passenger capacity from 540 to 1,620. Infrastructure improvements include an increase in check-in counters from 8 to 42, conveyor belts from 2 to 5, and airport gates from 4 to 11. Aircraft handling efficiency has been improved with the addition of a new taxi track and an increase in parking bays from 4 to 15.
Passenger facilities have also been enhanced with new lounges, a child care room, meet-and-greet assistance, and expanded food and beverage options, including the UDAN Yatri Café. A city bus service has been introduced in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, along with prepaid taxi counters and air ambulance services. Pilgrims arriving for Maha Kumbh will receive floral welcomes as part of efforts to improve the travel experience.
With these comprehensive upgrades, Prayagraj Airport is now equipped to efficiently manage one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, ensuring seamless connectivity and an improved travel experience for devotees and tourists alike.
