During the 45 days of the Maha Kumbh in 2025, Prayagraj Airport experienced an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic, making it the busiest airport in the country for the duration. In those 45 days, the airport handled as many flights as it typically does in an entire year, a testament to the massive influx of devotees and visitors attending the spiritual event.
The scenes at Prayagraj Airport were nothing short of extraordinary. Passengers often struggled to find a place to sit, with long queues forming outside the terminal, reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of a busy railway station. Once inside, the airport resembled a crowded roadways bus, with travelers packed in tight spaces, trying to find a spot amidst the sea of people.
Prayagraj Airport, which became operational as a civil airport in 2019, faced a unique challenge during this period. The influx of passengers was so overwhelming that a temporary German hangar had to be installed to accommodate the surge. This was a first for the airport, highlighting the massive scale of the Maha Kumbh and the significant strain it placed on the airport’s infrastructure.
While the experience at the airport was less than comfortable for many, it showcased the essential role Prayagraj Airport plays in facilitating travel to one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The airport’s handling of this unprecedented challenge also serves as a reminder of the need for further infrastructure upgrades to meet the demands of such large-scale events in the future.
