Roberta Aguirre
Prayagraj, a city in India that is considered sacred by Hindus, is home to the Prayagraj Airport (IATA: IXD, ICAO: VEAB). The airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is one of the oldest airports in India and serves as a hub for domestic flights. It is located in the Bamrauli suburb, approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre. The airport has undergone recent upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal and the installation of an instrument landing system, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Prayagraj Airport is jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Prayagraj Airport |
| Other Names | Allahabad Airport, Bamrauli Airport, Prayagraj Airport (IATA: IXD, ICAO: VEAB) |
| Location | Bamrauli, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Type | Domestic, Military |
| Operator | Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India |
| Runway Length | 2,560 meters (8,400 feet) |
| Runway Width | 45 meters (148 feet) |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Passenger Capacity | 120 |
| Notable Features/Incidents | One of the oldest airports in India, upgraded in 2018 with a new terminal, ILS system, and expanded apron area |
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What You'll Learn
Prayagraj Airport is one of the oldest airports in India
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is located in the Bamrauli suburb of Prayagraj, India. It is one of the oldest airports in India, with a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation in the country.
The airport has a long and fascinating history that began in the early 20th century. On February 18, 1911, domestic commercial aviation in India took flight when Henri Piquet made the first commercial delivery, flying a Humber biplane carrying mail from Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to Naini. This historic flight covered a distance of approximately six miles, marking the beginning of aviation in the region.
The construction of an airport at Allahabad with a dedicated airfield began in 1924, and in 1931, the aerodrome at Allahabad was established, paving the way for organised air traffic control services. The appointment of an Indian Aerodrome Officer, specially trained in the UK, laid the foundation for safe and efficient air traffic management.
Prayagraj Airport was among the first four international airports in India. It catered to international flights, offering direct services to London until 1932. In July 1933, Imperial Airways commenced operations on its Karachi-Jodhpur-Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Kolkata route, which thrived until June 1940. The airfield at Bamrauli also played a significant role in the MacRobertson Trophy Air Race in October 1934, serving as one of the five compulsory stops.
Over the years, Prayagraj Airport has undergone several upgrades and improvements. In 2018, a new civil terminal extension was added, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a waiting lounge, restroom facilities, baggage services, and a small cafeteria. It has a single runway, designated 12/30, with a length of 2,560 meters (8,400 feet), capable of handling various aircraft.
Today, Prayagraj Airport exclusively serves domestic flights within India. It is jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India, ensuring efficient management and security. The airport plays a crucial role in connecting Prayagraj, a significant pilgrimage and tourist destination, with the rest of the country.
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The airport is also a military base
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is located in the city of Prayagraj, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest airports in India, dating back to 1924 when the construction of an airport began in Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj. The airport currently serves as a hub for domestic airlines and is located in the Bamrauli suburb, approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from the heart of Allahabad.
The airport is jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India, with the Air Force station located in the Bamrauli area serving as the headquarters of the Central Air Command. The airport's single runway, measuring 8,400 feet (2,560 meters) in length, can accommodate various aircraft, including Airbus A320s.
The airport's military base status is significant, as it is one of the bases of the Indian Armed Forces operating under the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force. This dual-use nature of the airport allows for both civilian and military aviation activities, contributing to the region's connectivity and strategic capabilities.
In recent years, the airport has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the apron area, increasing aircraft parking capacity, and the construction of a new taxiway to streamline ground operations. These enhancements have improved the efficiency and functionality of the airport, benefiting both civilian and military operations.
The airport's military presence ensures the Indian Air Force's readiness and contributes to the region's defence capabilities. It provides a strategic advantage by enabling quick response times and facilitating the efficient deployment of air power when needed. The joint operation of the airport by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India ensures a balanced utilisation of the facility, catering to both civilian and military requirements.
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It is located 12km from Prayagraj city centre
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is located 12km from the city centre of Prayagraj, in the Bamrauli suburb of the city. It is one of the oldest airports in India, and is currently operated by both the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India. The airport is served by a single runway, which is 8,400 ft long and 148 ft wide.
The airport is a hub for domestic airlines, and is well-connected to other major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. It is also easily accessible from the city centre, with taxis, auto-rickshaws and ride-sharing services available outside the terminal.
The airport has a rich history, with the foundation for air traffic control services being laid in 1931 when an Indian Aerodrome Officer was appointed, specially trained in the UK. In 1933, Imperial Airways commenced a flight route that included Allahabad, which operated until 1940. The airport was also used as one of the stops for the MacRobertson Trophy Air Race in 1934.
In recent years, the airport has undergone significant upgrades, including the addition of a new terminal and an instrument landing system, allowing for night-time operations. The airport set several records during the Mahakhumb in 2025, including handling 100 flights in a single day.
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The airport has one runway and one terminal
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is a domestic airport serving the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest airports in India, with its origins in commercial aviation dating back to 1911. The airport is currently under the joint operation of the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.
The airport underwent an expansion phase in 2018-2019, which included the construction of a new civil terminal extension and the installation of an instrument landing system (ILS). The new terminal was completed in December 2018 and opened to the public in January 2019, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The ILS system allows for safe landing during night-time, bad weather, and foggy conditions, enabling the airport to operate round-the-clock.
Prayagraj Airport is located in the Bamrauli suburb of the city, approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the heart of Allahabad. It is easily accessible and well-connected to the city centre, with various transportation options available outside the terminal, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, and ride-sharing services.
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It is ILS CAT-I compliant for landing in poor conditions
Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, is a domestic airport serving the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the oldest airports in India and is jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.
The airport is served by a single runway, which is 2,560 meters (or 8,400 feet) long and 45 meters wide. In 2018, construction began on a new civilian terminal and the installation of an instrument landing system (ILS) on the existing runway. The new terminal was opened to the public in January 2019 and has since facilitated regular flight operations.
The ILS CAT-I compliance enables landing during conditions of poor visibility, at night, or in bad weather and foggy conditions. The system provides short-range guidance to aircraft, allowing them to approach the runway safely. It uses radio signals, specifically the localizer for horizontal guidance and the glideslope for vertical guidance. The ILS also includes high-intensity lighting at the end of the runway to aid pilots in locating the runway and transitioning to a visual landing.
The CAT-I ILS approach is the most basic category, referring to the minimum visibility required for landing. It allows aircraft to approach as close as 200 feet (61 meters) above the ground, within half a mile (800 meters) of the runway. If the runway is not visible at this point, a missed approach is performed. This system significantly increases the range of safe landing conditions and does not require specialized crew training or additional equipment beyond what is typically found on general aviation instrument-qualified aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Prayagraj Airport, also known as Allahabad Airport, serves the city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The IATA code for Prayagraj Airport is IXD.
Prayagraj Airport is a public airport with a military base. It is jointly operated by the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.
Prayagraj Airport is located approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre of Prayagraj.
Prayagraj Airport offers basic amenities, including a waiting lounge, restroom facilities, baggage services, and a small cafeteria.
