Maha Kumbh: Flight tickets to Prayagraj are available for Rs 50,000 DGCA is preparing to impose restrictions

Lakhs of devotees are heading towards Sangam city Prayagraj on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. But this time due to Mahakumbh, there is a huge increase in the fares of flights. From Delhi to Mumbai, the fares of flights to Prayagraj from all major cities have started skyrocketing. This increased fare is having a huge impact on the pockets of the passengers. At the same time, the Aviation Ministry said that steps are being taken to rein in the fares of flights to Prayagraj. The number of flights has been increased given the increased passenger demand due to Mahakumbh.

At present 132 flights are operating to Prayagraj and about 80 thousand seats are available every month. In December 2024, there were direct flights from Prayagraj to eight cities, while now direct flights are available to 17 cities. According to the ministry, the purpose of these new flights is to strengthen regional connectivity and handle the increasing number of passengers during Mahakumbh. The Aviation Ministry said that increasing the number of these flights will reduce the pressure on airfares and ensure better accessibility for devotees and tourists. The Maha Kumbh will continue till February 26. In such a situation, concerns were being raised over the increase in the fares of flights to Prayagraj. Last week, DGCA officials held a meeting with airline representatives and advised them to operate more flights and control fares.

As per the instructions of Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the DGCA has asked airlines to ensure adequate flight capacity on important days like Shahi Snan. Special attention will be given to January 29, February 3, February 4, February 12, and February 26, 2025. Mauni Amavasya is on January 29 and on this day a huge difference can be seen in the fares of flights from different cities to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. Fares of flights to Prayagraj on January 29-

Delhi to Prayagraj - Fare ranges from about Rs 20,339 to Rs 51,207.

Mumbai to Prayagraj - Fare ranges from about Rs 31,081 to Rs 56,059.

Ahmedabad to Prayagraj- Fare from about Rs 42,572 to Rs 56,235.

Lucknow to Prayagraj- Fare from about Rs 25,110 to Rs 47,332.

These figures are of January 27 and there may be some change in them, as the fare may increase or decrease over time.

Akasha Air will start flying from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj on January 28 and 29. After this, in February, this airline will operate 9 flights from Ahmedabad and 12 from Bangalore, which will increase by about four thousand seats. At the same time, SpiceJet will start flying from Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to Prayagraj, which will increase by about 43, thousand seats in February.

During the Maha Kumbh, 30,172 passengers arrived at Prayagraj airport in a week and 226 flights were operated. Also, night flights have also been started at the airport. The increase in flight bookings and fares for Prayagraj may hurt tourism, especially for domestic and foreign travelers. Travel sector expert Jyothi Mayal said that the increase in fares needs to be curbed.