Maha Kumbh Rush: DGCA Approves More Prayagraj Flights, Asks Airlines To Rationalise Fares

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken steps to address the surge in airfares for flights to Prayagraj, driven by increased demand due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh. The regulator has urged airlines to rationalize fares and increase flight capacity to accommodate the influx of pilgrims and visitors.

To meet this demand, DGCA has approved 81 additional flights for January, raising Prayagraj's air connectivity to 132 flights from various parts of the country. On January 23, DGCA officials held a meeting with representatives of airlines to address concerns about airfare hikes and the need for more flights.

According to a travel analysis by Ixigo, airfares for Prayagraj flights have surged up to 21% this month, with demand skyrocketing since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13. Airlines like SpiceJet and Indigo have increased operations to Prayagraj, but prices remain steep, Times of India reported.

For instance, on January 25, one-way flights from Bengaluru to Prayagraj with layovers were priced between ₹36,218 and ₹40,000, with return tickets adding up to approximately ₹51,000. Indigo's one-way fares stood at ₹29,000, while connecting flights via Raipur and Bhopal cost ₹27,000 for a single journey.

Travel industry experts attribute the sharp rise in airfares to the principle of dynamic pricing, driven by heightened demand. Priya Darshini, sales manager at Flotus World Travel Pvt Ltd, noted that under normal circumstances, a round-trip flight between Bengaluru and Prayagraj costs ₹17,000.

The Maha Kumbh, which concludes on February 26, has drawn millions of devotees, turning Prayagraj into a high-demand destination. In a post on X, DGCA emphasized the need for airlines to boost capacity further while ensuring fare rationalization to make travel more accessible during this major religious event.