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HomeInfrastructureAirportsAirfares to Prayagraj Surge as Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins, DGCA Takes Action

Airfares to Prayagraj Surge as Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins, DGCA Takes Action

Airfares to Prayagraj Surge as Maha Kumbh 2025 Begins, DGCA Takes Action

Maha Kumbh 2025 draws increasing numbers of devotees to Prayagraj, airfares to the city are reaching record highs, putting a strain on travellers. The significant demand for flights to attend the Kumbh Mela has led to skyrocketing prices, with round-trip tickets from major cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru now exceeding Rs 50,000.

For instance, round-trip flights from Chennai for travel on January 28 and return on January 30 have crossed Rs 53,000, while fares from Kolkata are surpassing Rs 35,500. Travellers from cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi are also facing fares upwards of Rs 47,500, and Bengaluru’s prices are hovering over Rs 51,000. The surge is particularly noticeable on key ‘snan’ (holy bath) dates, including Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and Maha Shivratri on February 26. One of the busiest travel days, February 1, offers flights from Delhi to Prayagraj with varying prices. SpiceJet offers two direct flights, with prices ranging from Rs 13,888 to Rs 18,660, while Air India flights are priced around Rs 19,583. Akasa Air and Alliance Air options are also available, costing between Rs 23,727 and Rs 25,565. Similarly, passengers flying from Kolkata to Prayagraj on February 1 are seeing prices from Rs 23,764 with Air India to Rs 27,543 with SpiceJet, which includes a lengthy layover.

This surge in airfares has led to widespread concern, especially among pilgrims trying to make their way to the religious gathering. Many are finding it challenging to afford the rising prices, leaving them anxious about how to secure affordable travel. Some travellers, like those coming from Mumbai, have noticed significant fluctuations in prices for one-way tickets, with rates ranging from Rs 21,144 to Rs 32,401. In response to the escalating ticket prices, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intervened. On January 23, 2025, the DGCA met with airline representatives, urging them to regulate the soaring fares and increase capacity to accommodate the growing demand. The DGCA emphasised the importance of rationalising the prices to ensure accessibility for all, especially pilgrims seeking to attend the religious event.

To alleviate the pressure on air travel, the DGCA approved an additional 81 flights in January 2025. This increase brings the total number of flights to Prayagraj to 132, ensuring more options for the rising number of visitors. The additional flights aim to meet the surge in demand and provide some relief to the escalating airfares. The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has a long history of drawing massive crowds from across the country and abroad. As the event gains momentum, the influx of visitors continues to rise. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the air travel system can accommodate the demand while keeping prices manageable for those relying on air travel to reach the holy city. With increased scrutiny and regulatory measures now in place, pilgrims and travellers to Prayagraj can hope that the rising cost of travel will be addressed in the coming weeks. However, as airfares remain high for the most sought-after travel dates, many are left hoping for more affordable options as the Maha Kumbh continues to unfold.

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