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Prayagraj Flight Prices Surge By Up To ₹20,000 As Maha Kumbh 2025 Demand Spikes

The skyrocketing Prayagraj flight prices during the Maha Kumbh Mela are making it increasingly difficult for the average middle-class Indian to afford a pilgrimage to Prayagraj.

by Sanjukta Ghosh
Prayagraj Flight Prices Surge By Up To ₹20,000 As Maha Kumbh 2025 Demand Spikes

As the Maha Kumbh Mela unfolds, the surge in demand for travel to Prayagraj has led to a dramatic spike in flight prices, leaving many travellers questioning the fairness of soaring airfares. With train services being cancelled and limited seat availability, the average middle-class family is finding it increasingly difficult to make their way to the Kumbh Mela. The government and aviation authorities are facing pressure to regulate these hikes and ensure equitable access for all pilgrims.

Prayagraj Flight Prices Soar Amid High Demand

The internet is abuzz with outrage over the exorbitant airfares with the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Many X (formerly Twitter) users are sharing screenshots of flight prices that are at least 3.5 times higher than usual, with some routes even seeing fares as high as 10 times the normal rate. Many are questioning the legality and ethics of such price gouging during a religious event that attracts millions of pilgrims. Some are even calling for government intervention to regulate fares and ensure fair pricing for all. 

Also read: Maha Kumbh Mela Leads To 1,776% Rise In Travel Bookings To Prayagraj For Jan 28 Compared To Last Year, Reveals Report

DGCA Adds 81 Flights Amid Maha Kumbh Fare Hikes

According to The Financial Express, a sharp increase in airfare prices is being experienced by travellers as Maha Kumbh 2025 progresses. Fares above ₹47,500 are being faced by passengers flying from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, with prices over ₹51,000 being seen by Bengaluru travellers. Similar trends are being observed for key ‘snan’ (holy bath) dates, including Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and Maha Shivratri on February 26.

In response to the Maha Kumbh, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to rationalize airfares to Prayagraj. To meet the increased demand, the regulator has authorized 81 more flights in January, raising the total number of flights to 132 from various parts of the country. While airlines defend the ticket price surge as a result of supply and demand dynamics, critics argue that these hikes amount to profiteering.

Also read: Planning To Visit Maha Kumbh With Your Parents? Man Shares Travel Tips & Itinerary To Help You Plan A Better Trip

Have you experienced a surge in airfare prices due to the Kumbh Mela?

Feature Image Courtesy: Canva

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First Published: January 27, 2025 6:00 PM