Mahakumbh 2025: Skyrocketing Airfares to Prayagraj Ahead Of Mauni Amavasya Spur DGCA Intervention

Airfares to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh have surged by approximately 600 per cent due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which has already seen millions of pilgrims take a holy dip, with many more expected to arrive on January 29, a key bathing day for 'Mauni Amavasya'.

The steep rise in ticket prices has prompted the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to intervene, as countless devotees aim to reach the world's largest religious gathering, particularly on significant bathing days like Mauni Amavasya.

Over 12 crore people have visited the Maha Kumbh since it began on January 13. The event, held every 12 years, will conclude on February 26.

According to travel platform Skyscanner, airfares for Delhi-Prayagraj flights have escalated significantly, with one-way tickets costing upwards of ₹21,000 as of 11:00 am on Monday.

For Mumbai to Prayagraj, tickets are priced between ₹22,000 and ₹60,000. Pilgrims travelling from Bengaluru face fares ranging from ₹26,000 to ₹48,000 for a one-way direct flight. This marks a stark contrast to the usual ₹5,000 for a one-way trip to these destinations under normal conditions.

The sharp rise in fares during festive seasons has long been a concern for Indian travellers. In February last year, a parliamentary panel suggested the government establish guidelines to regulate sudden spikes in airfares.

DGCA interjects

The DGCA has directed airlines to rationalise airfares to Prayagraj in response to the Maha Kumbh. The regulator has also approved 81 additional flights in January, increasing Prayagraj's air connectivity to 132 flights nationwide to meet the heightened demand. While airlines attribute the price hikes to supply and demand dynamics, critics view it as profiteering.

Official figures from the Uttar Pradesh government revealed that on Sunday alone, 1.17 crore people bathed at the Sangam by late afternoon.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu earlier expressed concern over rising airfares, stating, "I really want to delve into this issue (and) how to make them a little more accessible, available for the people of this country."