Prayagraj Airport (IXD): Overview for 2026
Prayagraj Airport (IATA: IXD), also known as Bamrauli Airport, serves Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh. It sits about 12 km from the city centre. The airport gained national attention during Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, when the Airports Authority of India reported a record single-day passenger count of over 22,000 travellers (AAI, 2025). As a mid-sized airport, it handles a growing set of domestic routes.
TL;DR: Prayagraj Airport (IXD) connects North India’s spiritual capital to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and more. IndiGo and Air India are the primary carriers. It gets extremely busy during Kumbh Mela. Book flights well in advance at happyfares.in, especially around pilgrimage seasons.
Which Airlines Fly to and from Prayagraj?
Prayagraj is a growing domestic hub, with IndiGo and Air India being the main carriers. Flight options expanded significantly after the Kumbh Mela infrastructure push in 2024-25.
- IndiGo: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune
- Air India: Delhi, Mumbai (with some seasonal routes)
Schedules vary by season. Pilgrim traffic spikes sharply during Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, and major bathing dates on the Hindu calendar. Always confirm current availability on happyfares.in before booking.
Key Routes from Prayagraj Airport
Delhi remains the most-travelled route from IXD, largely due to government employees, pilgrims, and travellers connecting via Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Delhi-Prayagraj sector is one of the busiest tier-2 city routes in North India (DGCA Domestic Traffic Report, 2025).
Popular Domestic Routes
- Prayagraj to Delhi: ~1 hr 10 min, multiple daily flights
- Prayagraj to Mumbai: ~2 hr, daily
- Prayagraj to Bengaluru: ~2 hr 30 min, several per week
- Prayagraj to Hyderabad: ~2 hr, select days
- Prayagraj to Ahmedabad: ~2 hr, IndiGo select days
Terminal Facilities at Prayagraj Airport
Prayagraj has a single passenger terminal. It was upgraded ahead of the 2025 Kumbh Mela with expanded check-in counters, additional security lanes, and improved passenger flow systems. The terminal is compact but functional for the traffic volumes it handles on normal days.
What’s Available at IXD Terminal
- Check-in counters (IndiGo and Air India sections clearly marked)
- Central Security Hold Area (SHA) with food stalls inside
- Small cafeteria and snack counter pre-security
- ATM (SBI)
- Passenger waiting hall with basic seating
- Wheelchair assistance available on request
During Kumbh and Peak Pilgrim Season
The airport sets up temporary counters and manages vehicle access through a convoy system. Arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure during Kumbh seasons. The road leading to the airport can get congested with buses and taxis ferrying pilgrims.
How to Reach Prayagraj Airport from the City
The airport is 12 km from Prayagraj Junction railway station. The drive normally takes 20-30 minutes. Options for reaching IXD include the following.
- Prepaid taxi: Available outside arrivals. Expect ₹300-450 to the city centre.
- App-based cabs: Ola and Uber are available. Connectivity is generally decent.
- Auto-rickshaw: Can be hailed on the airport road for shorter drops within the vicinity.
- City bus: Limited UPSRTC service. Not ideal for early morning or late night flights.
Nearby Hotels and Accommodation
Prayagraj city has a wide range of accommodation. Civil Lines area offers mid-range hotels convenient to both the railway station and airport. During Kumbh, tent city accommodation near Sangam is popular but books out months in advance.
Prayagraj Travel Tips
- Kumbh Mela bookings: Flights during Kumbh windows get booked out 60-90 days in advance. Set a price alert on happyfares.in as soon as dates are announced.
- Railway as alternative: Prayagraj is extremely well-connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. For budget travel, train can be the better option.
- Weather: Summers (April-June) are very harsh. Peak pleasant weather is October-February, which aligns with most pilgrimage dates.
- Car rental from airport: Several local operators have desks near arrivals for outstation drops to Varanasi, Chitrakoot, and Vindhyachal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Prayagraj Airport
What is the IATA code for Prayagraj Airport?
The IATA code for Prayagraj Airport (also known as Allahabad Airport or Bamrauli Airport) is IXD.
Are there direct flights from Prayagraj to Mumbai?
Yes, IndiGo operates direct flights from Prayagraj to Mumbai. Flight time is approximately 2 hours. Check current schedules and fares at happyfares.in.
How far is Prayagraj Airport from the Sangam?
The Sangam (Triveni Sangam) is approximately 18-22 km from Prayagraj Airport. The drive takes around 30-40 minutes, longer during pilgrim rush hours.
Does Prayagraj Airport have international flights?
As of 2026, Prayagraj does not have scheduled international commercial flights. All services are domestic. Travellers heading abroad typically connect through Delhi or Mumbai.
When is the best time to book flights to Prayagraj for Kumbh Mela?
Book at least 60-90 days before Kumbh bathing dates. Flights fill up quickly and fares can surge 2-3x during peak bathing periods. HappyFares price alerts can help you catch early fares.
Is parking available at Prayagraj Airport?
Yes, basic parking is available at the airport. Rates follow AAI standard tariffs. During Kumbh, overflow parking may be managed at designated lots nearby.
Book Prayagraj Flights on HappyFares
Planning a trip to Prayagraj for the Sangam, a pilgrimage, or a family visit? Compare IndiGo and Air India fares on happyfares.in and set a price alert for your travel dates.
