Maha Kumbh to Boost Prayagraj with New Terminal and Increased Flight Services.

In preparation for the anticipated increase in air travel demand during the upcoming Maha Kumbh, the Centre has undertaken a ₹233 crore expansion of Prayagraj Airport. The expansion, scheduled for completion by December 31, 2024, includes a significant upgrade to the existing terminal and the addition of a new terminal.

The reconfigured terminal will boost the airport’s passenger handling capacity to 850 per hour, up from the current 350. The new terminal, once partially commissioned, will add another 1,200 passenger per hour capacity, bringing the total capacity to around 2,050 passengers per hour.

The combined terminal area will grow from 6,500 sqm to 18,500 sqm by the end of the year. Along with these upgrades, the apron area has been expanded to accommodate more flight operations, and the number of aircraft parking bays will increase from 4 to 15, allowing space for seven Airbus A320s and eight smaller aircraft. This will more than double the airport's operational capacity.

A new taxiway has also been constructed to facilitate quicker ground operations, and the airport will be equipped to handle night landings, allowing for round-the-clock operations.

Airlines have shown interest in increasing flights to Prayagraj, with 14 new flights proposed. Currently, the airport handles 14 flights per day, with additional plans to accommodate chartered planes for Maha Kumbh visitors.

The city-side infrastructure has been revamped as well, with car parking capacity increasing from 200 to 600 spaces. Inside the terminal, a ‘Udan Yatri Cafe’ will offer affordable refreshments to travelers, while artwork reflecting Prayagraj’s cultural heritage will be showcased through a “Triveni” theme.

Furthermore, the UP State government will provide airport transfer services to the ‘Triveni’ area, the site of the Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. With an estimated 400 million pilgrims expected, the airport's expansion will be crucial in meeting the surge in travel demand.

HBL