Prayagraj: City airport prepares to welcome passengers to brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal building. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 200 crore, the terminal is scheduled to begin operations from August, offering international-standard amenities and significantly enhanced passenger comfort. Initiated in October 2023 by the Airport Authority of India, the terminal’s construction is now in its final stages. Although there were efforts to complete the project before the Maha Kumbh 2025, the original timeline could not be met. To manage increasing passenger load, the existing terminal was already expanded as a temporary measure.Spanning over 14,000 square metres, the new terminal is designed to handle up to 1,200 passengers at a time. This is a notable improvement over the current terminal’s capacity of 850 passengers. Combined, both terminals will now be able to serve up to 2,000 passengers per hour, greatly boosting the airport’s operational efficiency. The modern terminal includes 24 check-in counters, six boarding gates, three large baggage claim belts and three aerobridges. Additionally, there are two separate VIP lounges designated for arrivals and departures. Passenger convenience has been prioritised with parking space designed to accommodate 450 cars, four buses and 50 app-based taxis. One of the key upgrades, which is already in use at the airport, is the installation of the CAT II Instrument Landing System (ILS), which allows aircraft to land even during low-visibility conditions, such as at night or during fog—enhancing overall flight safety and reliability.Airport authorities say that with the addition of new aerobridges, which will now become six in total, the airport is well-equipped to manage an increased number of flights without delays in takeoffs and landings. Officials believe this will not only improve air connectivity for Prayagraj but also support the influx of visitors expected during large-scale events like the Kumbh 2030.
