Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Prayagraj Airport has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a modern hub of connectivity for the grand Maha Kumbh Mahotsav 2025. With major expansions, efficient planning, and enhanced passenger facilities, the airport has become a gateway to the city of devotion and culture, accommodating millions of devotees from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
Key Highlights of Airport Transformation
Leadership and Oversight
- Reviewed and supervised by Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol.
- Regular inspections and meetings ensured timely project completion.
- Terminal expansion, construction, and passenger amenities were prioritized.
Enhanced Connectivity
- Introduction of 81 new flights in January 2025.
- Increased connectivity from 8 cities (December 2024) to 17 cities directly, and 26 cities with connecting flights.
- Additional flights to major cities like Srinagar, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore.
- Akasa Air and SpiceJet added substantial capacity.
- Akasa Air: 4,000 seats in January and February 2025.
- SpiceJet: 43,000 seats in February 2025.
Operational Milestones
- 30,172 passengers and 226 flights in one week during Maha Kumbh.
- Over 5,000 passengers handled in a single day for the first time.
- 24/7 connectivity enabled with night flights after 106 years.
Infrastructure Upgrades
- Terminal expansion from 6,700 sq. m. to 25,500 sq. m.
- New terminal operationalized for 1,620 peak-hour passengers, up from 540 previously.
- Parking capacity increased from 200 to 600 vehicles.
Enhanced Facilities
- Check-in counters: From 8 to 42.
- Baggage machines: From 4 to 10.
- Aircraft parking bays: From 4 to 15.
- Airport gates: From 4 to 11.
- Conveyor belts: From 2 to 5.
Passenger Comfort and Accessibility
- New lounges, child care room, and six boarding bridges added (up from 2).
- Affordable food options introduced with the UDAN Yatri Cafe.
- Meet-and-greet assistance for differently-abled passengers.
- Prepaid taxi counters and city bus services launched in collaboration with the UP Government.
- Medical facilities enhanced with ambulance deployment and air ambulance services.
Special Measures for Maha Kumbh
- Floral welcomes for pilgrims at the airport.
- Airfare monitoring to control prices during peak festival days (Shahi Snans).
- Ensured adequate flight capacity to meet the influx of devotees.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj Airport Leads the Way |
Leadership & Oversight | Led by PM Modi, Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu & Murlidhar Mohol. |
Connectivity | 81 new flights; Direct: 17 cities; Overall: 26 cities. |
Operational Records | 30,172 passengers/week, 24/7 operations, 5,000+ passengers/day. |
Infrastructure Upgrades | Terminal area: 6,700 to 25,500 sq. m.; Check-in counters: 8 to 42. |
Passenger Amenities | Lounges, UDAN Cafe, boarding bridges (2 to 6), prepaid taxis, city buses. |
Medical Facilities | Ambulance deployment, air ambulance services. |
Flight Capacities | Akasa Air: 4,000 seats; SpiceJet: 43,000 seats (Feb 2025). |
Special Measures | Controlled airfares, floral welcomes for pilgrims. |