Prayagraj Airport (IXD)

Prayagraj Airport (IXD), also known as Allahabad Airport, is a significant aviation facility serving the historic city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India. As one of the country's oldest airports, originally established in 1931, it operates as a civil enclave within the Indian Air Force's Bamrauli Air Force Station. The airport has undergone a massive modernization program to accommodate the millions of pilgrims and travelers who visit the city, particularly during the world-renowned Kumbh Mela. In January 2025, a new and significantly larger integrated terminal was completed, transforming the facility into a high-capacity hub with modern systems and a design that reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of the 'Sangam' city. The technical infrastructure at Prayagraj is robust, designed to support both commercial aviation and military missions. It features a primary asphalt runway (12/30) that measures 2,560 meters (8,400 feet) in length and 45 meters in width. This runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced night lighting, ensuring high operational reliability during the dense winter fog characteristic of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The recent terminal expansion has increased the facility's area to 18,500 square meters, allowing it to handle over 2,000 passengers per hour. The airfield is now capable of managing increased flight frequencies from major domestic carriers like IndiGo and Alliance Air, using aircraft up to the size of the Airbus A321. Passenger amenities within the new Prayagraj terminal are world-class and focused on the needs of both spiritual tourists and business travelers. The facility offers spacious waiting lounges, premium VIP zones, and a diverse range of cafes and retail kiosks. Essential services such as multiple ATMs, free Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, and 24/7 medical assistance are conveniently located throughout the terminal. For the convenience of pilgrims, special assistance counters and simplified baggage systems are in place. Its strategic location, approximately 12 kilometers from the city center and the holy Sangam site, ensures that arriving passengers can reach the heart of Prayagraj's religious and administrative districts in about 30 to 45 minutes via a well-organized transport network.