Prayagraj Airport :  Guide to Facilities, Expansion & Flights

Prayagraj Airport, formerly known as Allahabad Airport, is a major domestic airport serving the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. With the airport code IXD, it is one of India’s oldest airports, jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Located in the Bamrauli region, just 12 kilometers from the city center, this airport is a crucial transportation hub for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers.

Prayagraj Airport Quick Facts

• Name: Prayagraj Airport (formerly Allahabad Airport)
• Location: Bamrauli, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Type: Public/Military
• Airport Code: IXD
• Opened: 1931 (92 years ago)
• Operational Status: Active
• Runway Length: 8,400 feet
• Elevation: 322 ft (98 m)
• Coordinates: 25°26′24″N 81°44′02″E

Prayagraj Airport Expansion and Modernization

To handle the increasing passenger traffic, especially during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj Airport underwent significant expansion. Key upgrades include:

• Terminal Expansion: The terminal area increased from 6,700 sq. meters to 25,500 sq. meters.
• Aero Bridges: Four new aero bridges were added, bringing the total to six.
• Parking Bays: Three new parking bays for Airbus 320-class aircraft were constructed.
• Passenger Capacity: The airport can now handle 1,000+ passengers at any given time, with a new terminal building accommodating an additional 1,620 passengers.
• CAT III Landing System: Installed to enable flights to land in low visibility conditions, such as dense fog or bad weather.
• 24×7 Air Traffic Control: Implemented during the Maha Kumbh Mela to manage increased air traffic.

Prayagraj Airport Flight Operations

Prayagraj Airport operates 140+ domestic flights to 17 cities across India. Airlines like IndiGo and Alliance Air connect Prayagraj to major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Pune, and Hyderabad. During the Maha Kumbh, the airport also handled its first international flight in 93 years, carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Steve Jobs.

Also Read: Rapid Rail Metro: Delhi Airport to Noida Airport in Just 80 Minutes

Facilities at Prayagraj Airport

• Six Aero Bridges: The first airport in Uttar Pradesh with six aero bridges.
• Increased Check-in Counters: Expanded from 11 to 42 counters for faster processing.
• Parking Facilities: Separate aprons for smaller aircraft and ample parking for cars, taxis, buses, and two-wheelers.
• UPSRTC Electric Buses: Introduced for eco-friendly transportation during the Maha Kumbh.
• Sleeping Pods: 70 sleeping pods at Prayagraj Junction for passenger comfort.

Impact on Real Estate and Tourism

The expansion of Prayagraj Airport has spurred economic growth in the region, boosting demand for commercial and residential real estate. Upcoming housing projects near the airport include:

• Shervani Legacy: Ready-to-move-in 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments in Dhoomanganj.
• Paras Greens: A premium residential complex in Bamrauli with world-class amenities.
• Omax Shiva 3: Luxury 3 BHK apartments near the Yamuna River.
• Navyug Mini Smart City: A well-planned residential project with 1,200 units.
• Omaxe Aananda: Affordable 2 and 3 BHK apartments in a gated community.

Top Hotels Near Prayagraj Airport

Travelers can choose from a range of hotels near the airport, including:

• Hotel Hira Inn: 4.8 Google rating, located in GTB Nagar.
• Hotel VK INN: 4.6 Google rating, situated on Leader Road.
• Millennium Inn: 4.2 Google rating, near the High Court.
• The Legend Hotel: 4.2 Google rating, in Civil Lines.
• Hotel Kanha Shyam: 4.1 Google rating, on Strachey Road.

Prayagraj Airport: Breaking Records

During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj Airport handled 140+ flights and 70 private jets daily, a sevenfold increase from pre-Maha Kumbh traffic. On February 16, 2025, the airport recorded its highest footfall with 24,000+ passengers daily.

Conclusion

Prayagraj Airport has emerged as a vital gateway for religious tourism, connecting millions of devotees during the Maha Kumbh Mela. With 80% of its expansion completed, the airport is set to play a pivotal role in Uttar Pradesh’s “spiritual triangle”, alongside Varanasi and Ayodhya. Enhanced facilities, improved connectivity, and modern infrastructure make Prayagraj Airport a key player in India’s aviation sector, catering to both domestic and international travelers.

Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or business, Prayagraj Airport ensures a seamless and comfortable travel experience. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Prayagraj and enjoy the convenience of one of India’s most upgraded airports.