Bamrauli Airport

Bamrauli Airport (Prayagraj Airport) is the main aerial gateway to the holy city of Prayagraj, where the rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. This transport hub operates as a civil enclave within an Indian Air Force base, giving it a distinct atmosphere of strict order and discipline, coexisting with the hospitality of a major tourist centre. In recent years, the airport has undergone massive renovation: a new modern terminal was constructed in record time for the grand Kumbh Mela festival, with a design reflecting the richness of the region's cultural heritage. Today, it is not just a transit point, but a comfortable and functional space welcoming pilgrims and travellers from all over the world.

Airport Features and Highlights:

Despite its compact size, Prayagraj Airport offers passengers a high level of service and well-thought-out infrastructure.

• New Passenger Terminal: The building, covering approximately 6,700 sq. m, was constructed in just 11 months. It is equipped with modern CUTE check-in systems, comfortable waiting lounges, and is capable of handling up to 300 passengers during peak hours.
• Eco-friendly and High-tech: "Green" technologies were utilized during construction, including double roof insulation for climate control, LED lighting, and its own sewage treatment plant.
• Cultural Heritage: The terminal interiors are adorned with elements referencing the city's rich history and the Kumbh Mela tradition, creating a mood of pilgrimage and celebration for guests immediately upon arrival.
• High Level of Service: The airport regularly ranks high in passenger satisfaction surveys among India's domestic air hubs, noted for its cleanliness and the courtesy of its staff.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Bamrauli Airport (IXD). Please note that some details, such as baggage service contacts, may vary depending on the airline.

• Official Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/prayagraj
• Help Desk Phone: +91-532-2286451
• Address: Prayagraj Airport, Bamrauli, Prayagraj - 211012, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Email: apdprayagraj@aai.aero
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official accounts. News and updates are published on the central pages of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Lost Baggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you can use the main help desk phone number or the airport's email address.

Getting to Bamrauli Airport (IXD) from the city centre of Prayagraj is quite simple, as it is located just 12 kilometres away. Travellers can choose the most suitable method based on their budget, time, and preferences. Generally, the journey takes between 30 to 60 minutes, but it is always wise to allow extra time for potential traffic jams, which are characteristic of many cities in India.

Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, and Online Services are the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. You can use prepaid taxi services, with counters located in the city, or book a car via popular apps like Ola or Uber. This is slightly more expensive than public transport but ensures comfort, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage. A ride in an auto-rickshaw will be cheaper but less comfortable and slower.

For those looking for the most budget-friendly option, city buses are available. Although there may not be a direct express route to the airport, several local buses pass near the terminal. It is best to check schedules and route numbers locally, as they may change. This method might not be very convenient with luggage and usually takes more time due to frequent stops.

If you prefer independence in your movements, you can rent a car. Several rental companies offer their services in Prayagraj. However, it is worth remembering that driving in India requires specific skills and accustomedness to dense and chaotic traffic. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, paid parking is available on the terminal premises, where cars can be left for both short and long terms.

Travellers looking for more flight options should consider other airports in the region. The largest of these are Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, which offer a wider network of routes. Smaller airports are also located nearby, such as Ayodhya Airport.

Bamrauli Airport (IXD), serving the city of Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), is a modern and compact aviation hub. Currently, one new integrated terminal, opened in 2018, is used to serve passengers. This building is designed to handle both departures and arrivals simultaneously, making navigation as simple and convenient as possible for travellers.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building has two main levels. The ground floor typically houses the arrival zones, including baggage claim belts and exits to taxi stands and parking. The upper floor features a spacious departure hall. Here, travellers will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and a comfortable waiting area with boarding gates. Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between terminals are not required, which significantly saves time and effort.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Bamrauli Airport usually takes little time thanks to its compact size. On average, check-in and security screening take 30 to 45 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure, especially during peak hours or on days of major festivals when passenger traffic may increase.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the clear signs in English and Hindi. All key areas — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are well marked. Airport staff are always ready to assist and answer any questions. Thanks to the well-thought-out layout, getting lost here is virtually impossible, making travel through Bamrauli Airport comfortable even for first-time visitors.

The history of Bamrauli Airport (IXD) is closely intertwined with the development of aviation throughout India. It was established as a military airfield back in 1919 and was originally used by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. For decades, it functioned primarily as an important airbase, and today it continues to be a strategic facility of the Indian Air Force.

However, the history of aviation in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad) began even earlier. It was from here on February 18, 1911, that the world's first official airmail flight was conducted. French pilot Henri Pequet flew about 13 km to the town of Naini, carrying 6,500 letters. This historic flight forever inscribed the city into the global aviation chronicle and became a landmark event preceding the founding of the airport itself.

For a long time, the civil part of the airport was very modest and served a limited number of flights. A key stage of modernization occurred in the run-up to one of the world's largest religious festivals — Kumbh Mela — in 2019. To cope with the huge flow of pilgrims and tourists, a new modern civil terminal was built and commissioned in record time.

The new terminal, with an area of 6,700 sq. m, was equipped with two aerobridges, eight check-in counters, and modern baggage handling systems. Its opening allowed the capacity to increase to 300 passengers per hour and significantly improved the level of comfort. This massive reconstruction effectively gave the airport a new lease on life, transforming it into a modern aerial gateway capable of receiving flights from the country's major cities.

Bamrauli Airport (IXD) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal building, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can have a snack or drink coffee. Both local Indian cuisine and more familiar international snacks are available here. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, and travel essentials.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, VIP lounges are available. Guests in these lounges are typically offered beverages, snacks, newspapers, and comfortable seating. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets are located in the waiting areas, so you can always stay connected.

Financial matters can also be handled at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange counters are at the passengers' disposal. In case of unforeseen health issues, a medical room operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

Bamrauli Airport cares for all categories of travellers. For passengers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet atmosphere. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance when moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity. Regarding business services, basic facilities such as work areas and internet access are usually provided in the VIP lounges. Specialized conference rooms are generally not available at the airport.

Bamrauli Airport (IXD), serving the city of Prayagraj, is a relatively small domestic airport, so the choice of dining establishments here focuses on providing basic comfort for passengers. While you won't find a wide variety of fine dining restaurants here, having a snack or a coffee before departure is certainly possible.

The main food outlets are located in the main terminal building, both in the public area (before security check) and in the security hold area. The selection is usually slightly wider in the public zone. Here you can find small cafes and kiosks offering packaged snacks, sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, and soft drinks. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off or arriving at the airport early.

After passing security control in the departure hall, there is also at least one outlet where you can purchase tea, coffee, and light snacks. Regarding local cuisine, you can sometimes find popular Indian snacks on the menu, such as samosa or kachori, as well as order traditional masala chai. For a full meal, choices are limited, so it is better to plan a substantial meal in the city. For a quick bite, the airport offers sufficient options.

Vegetarian passengers will easily find suitable dishes, as vegetarian snacks are widely common in India. However, for travellers with strict dietary requirements (vegan, halal, gluten-free), choices may be extremely limited or non-existent. In such cases, it is recommended to carry your own snacks. Prices at the airport are typically higher than the city average but remain at a moderate level. Establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening before the first departures and closing after the last aircraft has left.

To ensure your journey from Bamrauli Airport is as comfortable as possible, make use of these tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Airports in India can be quite busy, so having extra time will allow you to complete all pre-flight formalities calmly.

To save time, check in for your flight online. During security checks, be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including laptops, tablets, and power banks. Please note that tags may be attached to your hand luggage, which will be stamped after screening — do not remove them until you board the aircraft.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. A window seat (A, F) offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying during the day. An aisle seat (C, D) provides more legroom and the ability to stand up at any moment without disturbing your neighbours.

Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. It is important to remember that power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

If you have a connecting flight from Prayagraj, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transfer point. Allow sufficient time between flights, especially if repeat security screening or a terminal change is required.

To save time and money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance online, or use the pre-paid taxi counters to avoid inflated prices. Food and drink prices at the airport are generally higher, so you can bring a light snack or an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security.

In case of a flight delay, contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep essentials in your hand luggage: a portable charger, a book, and personal hygiene items to make the wait more comfortable.