Prayagraj airport scripts history with first intl flight
Source: Chronicle News Service
Prayagraj, January 22 2025: Prayagraj Airport marked a historic milestone with the landing and take-off of an international aircraft for the first time in 93 years.
The last international flight from the airport departed in 1932 for London, and now, a Bhutanese aircraft has touched down and taken off, signalling a new chapter in the airport's history.
The resurgence of Prayagraj Airport comes amidst the Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 .
The festival has brought an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic.
On January 14, during the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Mela, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, the airport handled a record-breaking 5250 passengers across 38 flights.
This marked the first time since the airport's reopening on January 1, 2019, that it crossed the 5000-pas-senger threshold in a single day.
Addressing a media delegation from the Northeast, airport director Mukesh Chandra Upadhyay expressed pride in the airport's achievement.
"Prayagraj Airport has witnessed a historic moment with the landing and take-off of a foreign aircraft after 93 years.
This significant milestone coincides with the Maha Kumbh Mela, which has led to a dramatic surge in passenger traffic.
On January 14, 5250 passengers traveled via 38 flights, setting a new record since the airport reopened in 2019". Upadhyay highlighted the increasing passenger traffic during the festival, attributing it to the airport 's excellent services and strategic location within the cultural triangle of Kashi; Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
He shared recent statistics, noting that on January 19, the airport handled 4006 passengers through 30 flights, while on January 18, it saw 4317 passengers.
On January 17, 3885 passengers travelled on 30 flights, and on January 16, 3861 passengers used the airport.
The airport director emphasised the airport 's readiness to handle even more traffic as the Maha Kumbh progresses.
He described Prayagraj Airport as a vital hub, contributing significantly to the region's aviation development and prepared to support the festival's growing demands.
On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his cabinet held a cabinet meeting at Triveni Sankul, the heart of the festival.
The chief minister and his ministers also participated in a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, underscoring the religious significance of the event.
A group of 14 journalists from Northeast states, as part of a PIB-sponsored media tour, attended Uttar Pradesh Darshan, a special cultural and tourism programme organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the UP State Tourism Corporation.
Held at Kalagram, the programme showcased the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh, with stalls displaying handloom and handicraft products from seven cultural zones, including Manipur.
The Manipur stall, in its first phase of 15 days, features Ukhrul-based artisan Divu Vashum.
The venue also highlights the cultural and tourism circuits of Uttar Pradesh, including the Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Braj Circuit, Mahabharata Circuit, Jain Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, and Shakti Peeth Circuit.
Wildlife eco-tourism and craft circuits are also on display, enriching visitors with insights into the state's diverse offerings.
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