Maha Kumbh of Prayagraj is the largest spiritual event in the world, with millions of pilgrims, saints, and tourists from across the globe visiting it. The huge event has led to unprecedented air traffic for Prayagraj Airport (IXD), setting new records in passenger movement.
The modest domestic airport has been handling more than 40 non-scheduled private aircraft and charter flights daily, and 70 flights on weekends. This is in addition to the 148 scheduled air commercial flights operating on a daily basis, seven times more than non-Kumbh days.
Air Traffic at Prayagraj Airport
The Prayagraj Airport, which normally operates 20 scheduled flights a day and has less than 1,000 passengers, has experienced a sudden influx of passengers since the Mauni Amavasya holy dip on January 29.
The airport set a new record on February 21, 2025, as around 24,512 passengers departed and arrived on 236 flights on a single day. The overall footfall itself has also exceeded 300,000 passengers. It is much higher than seen in Kumbh Mela 2019, which handled less than 100,000 passengers.
High-profile Visitors & Increased Charter Flights
The Maha Kumbh has attracted prominent personalities from politics, business, and international communities. Some of the notable figures who traveled to Prayagraj for the event include President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governors, Chief Ministers, MPs, and MLAs. Corporate Managers like Mukesh & Anil Ambani, Gautam Adani, Pawan Munjal, Anil Agarwal, and Hinduja & TVS Group Managers.
A major highlight for Prayagraj Airport was the hosting of an international charter flight for Laurene Powell Jobs, the billionaire wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who traveled from Bhutan to witness the Kumbh. This was the first international flight at Prayagraj Airport in 93 years, and the last one was recorded in 1932 when it went from Allahabad to London.
Airport Operations & Upgrades for the Maha Kumbh
The India Air Force (IAF) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) underwent extensive preparations to handle the surge in air traffic as the airport now operates overnight with 7-8 departures and arrivals. It is undergoing expansion with 80% of the work done to accommodate more traffic. Four more international flights have landed at Prayagraj since Powell Jobs’ visit, indicating increased interest worldwide.
As the Maha Kumbh ends on February 26, 2025, the authorities plan to ensure that the passengers have a comfortable travel. The Uttar Pradesh government aims to put Prayagraj Airport on the same level as Ayodhya and Varanasi to form a spiritual tourism triangle. This would help boost religious tourism and allow pilgrims who are visiting Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya, and Prayagraj an easy travel network.
Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed record-breaking air traffic in Prayagraj, breaking all the records and making the airport a potential major contributor to India’s spiritual tourism. With the state government’s plans for continued development, Prayagraj Airport can emerge as a major hub for traveling in the coming years.
Whether you’re planning to visit for religious reasons or exploring India’s rich cultural heritage, Prayagraj is now more accessible than ever. For easy flight bookings from the USA to India, check out Indian Eagle deals to get cheap airfares and have a memorable trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Prayagraj Airport witnessing a flight surge?
Millions of tourists, including VIPs, international travelers, and pilgrims, are visiting Maha Kumbh, causing a massive surge in flights.
How many flights operate from Prayagraj Airport during Maha Kumbh?
Average 148 scheduled commercial flights and 40-70 private chartered aircraft per day, totaling more than 200 flights per day.
What record did Prayagraj Airport break at Maha Kumbh 2025?
On 21 February 2025, the airport saw a record-breaking passenger movement of around 24,512 passengers and 236 flights in one day.
Have international flights begun arriving at Prayagraj Airport?
Yes, the airport saw its first international charter flight in 93 years when Laurene Powell Jobs landed in January 2025. Four more international flights have landed at the airport.
What are the special facilities provided at Prayagraj Airport during Maha Kumbh?
The airport is now 24/7, has a night landing facility, and has its infrastructure upgraded to handle the increasing number of travelers.
When does Maha Kumbh 2025 end?
The Maha Kumbh ends on February 26, 2025, with the Maha Shivratri holy dip, the final big event of this huge spiritual festival.
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