Nashik airport to get ₹572 crore upgrade ahead of Kumbh Mela

As Nashik gears up for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the city’s airport is undergoing a major transformation. With an investment of ₹572 crore, the upgrade aims to significantly enhance infrastructure and boost passenger capacity to meet the surge in demand.

Capacity To Triple With New Terminal

The expansion will increase Nashik airport’s handling capacity to 1,000 passengers per hour, nearly three times its current capability. A modern terminal spread across 18,250 sq. metres will be constructed, featuring 24 check-in counters to ensure smoother and faster passenger movement.

Additionally, a new apron will be developed, doubling aircraft parking capacity from the existing numbers to 12 bays, enabling more simultaneous flight operations.

Project Backed By Government

The foundation stone for the new terminal was laid by Devendra Fadnavis following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maharashtra government and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which owns the airport.

According to officials, the entire project is being funded by the state government and is expected to be completed within a year.

Rising Passenger And Cargo Growth

Nashik airport has already been witnessing strong growth. Between April and December 2025, it handled nearly 3 lakh passengers, marking a 23% year-on-year increase.

Currently, IndiGo is the only airline operating from Nashik, connecting the city to major destinations like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Beyond passenger traffic, the airport is also emerging as a cargo hub. From April to November last year, it managed over 6,400 metric tonnes of international cargo, largely consisting of goat exports to West Asia.

Boost For Tourism And Industry

The expansion is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening both tourism and industrial growth in the region—especially with the massive influx of devotees anticipated during the Kumbh Mela.

A similar surge was seen at Prayagraj during the last Kumbh, where passenger traffic crossed 5 lakh travellers within a short span, prompting rapid capacity upgrades.