Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj Airport Leads the Way

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.