International Flights at Prayagraj Airport: What Travellers Need to Know

• by Seraphina Durand
• Jun 3, 2025
• 0 Comments

International Flights at Prayagraj Airport: What Travellers Need to Know

You’d expect a city with Prayagraj’s cultural pull and history to have an airport buzzing with international jets coming in from all over the world. Think of the Kumbh Mela, the famed confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, and the city’s place in India’s religious map. Surely international travelers should have a gateway right into the heart of Prayagraj? The reality, as of June 2025, is a little different than what you might assume. Lots of folks landing in Prayagraj for the first time are surprised to realize that international flights don't swoop into this city. Let’s flesh out why this is, what the airport actually offers, its history, and what you can expect if you’re planning a trip that starts or ends in Prayagraj.

The Current State of International Flights at Prayagraj Airport

Right now, Prayagraj Airport (also known by its code IXD or officially as Prayagraj Bamrauli Airport) does not receive or depart any international flights. There are no direct links to cities outside India. Every plane that lifts off from Prayagraj heads to another Indian city—usually Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata, with a handful of others in the mix. Choose any search tool or online travel portal: the airport comes up in the domestic section, not in the international arrivals or departures screen.

Many travelers hope for a direct international connection but end up using Prayagraj as a jumping-off point. This is great news for those who want domestic convenience, but not for global flyers. The airport itself isn’t designated as an international terminal, and that's the reason behind this limitation. To run international flights, an airport needs customs and immigration counters, specific safety protocols, and the go-ahead from several government agencies. Prayagraj hasn’t gotten this nod yet.

For context, cities like Lucknow and Varanasi (both in Uttar Pradesh) have full-fledged international airports, which is what makes them the go-to for travelers coming from other countries. About 130 kilometers southeast, Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport offers direct overseas options, including flights to Dubai, Colombo, Bangkok, and some Gulf countries. Meanwhile, Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport sees more long-haul footfall, especially to the Middle East. Here’s a quick breakdown to compare:

If you’re arriving internationally, your most efficient route is to land in one of these neighboring hubs and catch a domestic flight, train, or car to Prayagraj. There’s still no word from the Airports Authority of India or the Ministry of Civil Aviation on exactly when—if ever—Prayagraj will join the international club, but that’s not stopping the traffic from swelling every year.

The Evolution of Prayagraj Airport: Past, Present, and Possible Future

Prayagraj’s airport isn’t new to the aviation scene; it’s been around since 1919 and is one of India’s oldest functioning airports. Originally built for the British Royal Air Force, it saw action during both World Wars and was later repurposed for commercial and military use. But for decades, it languished as a little-known stop, handling mostly military aircraft and the odd commercial flight. The big change came around 2018-2019, when the city hosted the Ardh Kumbh Mela—the airport got a major facelift: new terminal building, improved runway, and better passenger facilities. Since then, passenger numbers have shot up, with over 400,000 travelers using the airport in 2023 alone (as reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation).

Even with all these upgrades, Prayagraj hasn’t been declared an international airport. That’s mostly a matter of paperwork, investment, and strategy. The current facilities are geared towards Indian flyers: baggage carousels, check-in kiosks, and waiting lounges. But there’s no sign of customs zones or international arrival channels. The state government and local business groups keep pushing for international status, especially before the next Maha Kumbh in 2025-2026, which could bring in millions of overseas visitors, but the transition is a big jump. It’s not just infrastructure—Think international-standard security systems, trained immigration staff, 24/7 customs, and tie-ups with international carriers.

Interestingly, despite lacking international status, Prayagraj Airport is growing. New airlines are swooping in on domestic routes, and the airport’s second runway (currently under military management) is sometimes used for special flights like VVIP movements or airshows. Don’t be surprised if, in the next few years, Prayagraj finally gets an international stamp. For now though, current plans focus more on growing connections with major Indian metros, not overseas destinations.

Tips for International Travelers Headed to Prayagraj

If you’re flying in from abroad but want to end up in Prayagraj, don’t get caught by surprise at the search results. Here’s how to plan like a pro:

• Don’t search for direct international flights to Prayagraj—none exist as of mid-2025.
• Best route? Book your international flight into Varanasi or Lucknow. Both are less than four hours away by road. If you’re with a group or lots of luggage, a cab is easier than the train.
• If you’re on a tight budget, trains and buses connect these cities really well. The Indian Railways network between Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj is fast and frequent.
• Once you land at Varanasi or Lucknow, you can book a domestic hop to Prayagraj with airlines like IndiGo or Alliance Air. Domestic flights are usually under an hour and cost less if booked early.
• Plan for some buffer time between connections—Indian airports are notorious for sudden schedule changes, especially in foggy winters.
• Don’t forget to check visa rules. If you're coming from a country that needs an e-visa, make sure your entry point (usually the first city you land in India) has the right facilities for e-visa stamping.
• If you’re arriving specifically for an event like Kumbh or Magh Mela, book tickets far, far in advance. Flights, trains, and taxis can get booked out months ahead, and prices rise fast.
• Take note: While Prayagraj Airport is modern, it isn’t sprawling. Standard food counters, basic waiting areas, and no direct currency exchange or luxury lounges—bring your cash and snacks, especially if you have a long wait.
• Internet connectivity is usually solid, but if you’re relying on airport Wi-Fi for a work call or an urgent message, expect some hiccups.

To make things hassle-free, here’s a quick step-by-step approach for anyone coming from abroad:

1. Book an international flight to Lucknow or Varanasi.
2. Take a domestic flight, hire a taxi, or board a train/bus to Prayagraj.
3. Keep your travel documents handy—immigration and baggage checks happen only in your first Indian airport.
4. If you have heavy luggage, pre-arrange transport for the last leg (booking a car or aggregator ride is safer than hailing one at midnight outside a railway station).
5. Keep emergency contacts and translations saved on your phone; smaller cities sometimes have less English signage and support.

Connecting Options: Domestic Destinations Served by Prayagraj Airport

Now here’s the upside: Prayagraj does a great job of connecting travelers with the rest of India. If you’re making Prayagraj your central stop, you’ll find flights leaving daily for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Alliance Air, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are regulars here, running busy daily schedules that suit both business and leisure travelers. Business flyers, academics heading to Allahabad University, pilgrims, and tourists—everyone benefits from these links.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet with the most popular domestic connections as of June 2025:

Direct to Chennai and Ahmedabad? Not yet, but there’s talk among airline planners about adding these cities soon, especially with festival traffic rising every year. Prayagraj only has one main passenger terminal, so arrivals and departures mingle in the same space—nice if you hate getting lost in mega-airports, but maybe tight at peak hours.

For anyone worried about missing a connection, taxi and auto-rickshaw services are lined up outside when any flight lands, and the city center is about 12 kilometers away. Expect traffic jams during Kumbh and the university’s admission season—you’re better off budgeting an extra 40 minutes if you have somewhere to be in a hurry.

What the Future Could Hold for Prayagraj Airport’s International Dreams

Will Prayagraj ever welcome an international flight? It’s a hot topic among travel planners, airlines, and even local politicians, especially around big religious events that draw crowds from all over the globe. So, what’s stopping the city from hitting international status?

The big hurdle is the investment required to build customs, immigration counters, and secure transit spaces. This isn’t just about putting up a few counters—India’s aviation authorities demand specific international security protocols, staff trained in several foreign languages, and regular audits. Each of these takes time, money, and a willingness from airlines to actually run international routes with full occupancy.

In 2022, several news outlets reported that talks had begun between the state government and a few Middle Eastern carriers about direct flights for the Kumbh Mela in 2025-2026, but those plans stalled after the pandemic. No official timelines have surfaced since then. What’s working in Prayagraj’s favor, though, is the city’s fast-rising passenger volumes, steady airport upgrades, and lobbying power thanks to events like the Kumbh. The state’s new regional connectivity schemes might place Prayagraj high on the list for future international operations.

Other smaller airports in India have bagged international status in the last five years, including Mopa in Goa and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. If they managed the transition, Prayagraj might not be far behind. For now, if you’re plotting a trip here from abroad, just know you’ll be taking a short detour through Lucknow or Varanasi, and then making your way in by land or a quick domestic flight. The journey’s still worth it—especially if the city’s rich mix of tradition and modernity is what you came for.