Apple co-founder Steve Jobs‘s wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, recently attended the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a grand spiritual gathering. Although she missed the holy dip in the Ganga on the first day of the mela due to health concerns, her visit drew significant attention. After her spiritual experience at the Kumbh, Laurene made headlines by becoming part of a historic moment.

How is Laurene Powell’s flight from Prayagraj significant

A Bhutan Airways aircraft recently landed at Prayagraj airport, carrying the American billionaire and entrepreneur Laurene Powell Jobs. After attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, Jobs departed from Prayagraj to Bhutan on the same plane, where she stayed for a few days. The flight marked a historic moment for Prayagraj airport, as it was the first international flight to operate from the city in decades.

Prayagraj holds a unique place in aviation history. On February 18, 1911, Henri Piquet initiated domestic commercial aviation in India by flying a Humber biplane carrying mail from a polo field in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to Naini, just 6 miles away. Later, in 1924, the construction of a dedicated airfield began, and by 1931, the Allahabad aerodrome was established. It was among the first four international airports in India, with direct flights to London operating until 1932.
Powell’s flight from Prayagraj airport was the first international flight to take off from the city in 93 years, marking a significant moment, as no international flights had operated from Prayagraj since 1932.
Her visit and the flight have brought attention to Prayagraj’s airport, which is now being modernized to handle more flights and possibly future international travel.