Airfares to Prayagraj have skyrocketed, particularly during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, with prices for return flights reaching over Rs 50,000. The sharp increase in airfare prices has raised concerns, prompting Union Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam to call for an urgent meeting with airlines. This price surge is mainly driven by the high demand due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh, a significant religious event that attracts millions of devotees, with key bathing dates like Mauni Amavasya.
Union Aviation Secretary Calls Urgent Meeting with Airlines Over Fare Hike
The government is taking swift action following reports of soaring airfares to Prayagraj ahead of the Jan 29 Mauni Amavasya snan (royal bath). The surge in prices has caught the attention of aviation authorities, who are keen to address the issue. According to reports, return tickets from Chennai to Prayagraj for Jan 28, returning two days later, are priced upwards of Rs 53,000, while flights from major cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have seen prices exceeding Rs 35,000–Rs 50,000.
In response to the fare hike, Union Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam has urgently scheduled a meeting with airline representatives. The government is likely to request a breakdown from the airlines on how many tickets have been sold and at which price points. With most flights to Prayagraj already sold out, the remaining tickets are being sold at steep prices.
Airfares Skyrocket for Maha Kumbh: Why Travel Costs Are So High
The sudden surge in airfares to Prayagraj can be attributed to the significant increase in demand, particularly during the crucial Maha Kumbh bathing days. As the Kumbh attracts millions of pilgrims, airlines have raised prices in response to the high demand, especially for flights on key dates like Mauni Amavasya, Basant Panchmi, Maghi Purnima, and Maha Shivratri.
According to travel portals, return flights from nearby cities like Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi are also seeing prices climb. For instance, flights from Chennai and Kolkata on these dates are priced at over Rs 35,500–Rs 40,000, while flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi have seen ticket prices soar above Rs 47,500. The situation is expected to worsen as the three remaining major bathing dates approach, and airlines are likely to continue increasing prices.
Government Seeks Answers from Airlines About Ticket Pricing and Availability
In response to the rapidly rising airfares, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously met with airlines on Jan 23, urging them to increase capacity and rationalize fares. To address the surge in demand, the DGCA approved 81 additional flights in January, increasing Prayagraj’s connectivity to 132 flights from various cities across India. Despite this, the demand continues to far outstrip the supply, contributing to the significant price hikes.
Sources have revealed that the government is pressing for a breakdown of ticket sales from airlines, including information on how many tickets have been sold at different price points. The increased prices are now a point of contention, as passengers struggle to find affordable flights.
Maha Kumbh’s Impact on Air Travel: Rising Demand and Limited Availability
As the Maha Kumbh continues to draw crowds, particularly during the peak bathing dates, air travel to Prayagraj has become increasingly difficult to access at reasonable rates. The government’s efforts to address the situation include urging airlines to rationalize ticket prices and increase the availability of seats. Despite these efforts, airlines have yet to implement any significant changes, leaving travelers frustrated.
The surge in demand, paired with the limited availability of seats, has left airlines with little choice but to raise prices. However, the situation has sparked debate on the fairness of these fare hikes, particularly for those who cannot afford such high travel costs.
What’s Next for Prayagraj Airfares?
As the three major bathing dates approach — Basant Panchmi on Feb 3, Maghi Purnima on Feb 12, and Maha Shivratri on Feb 26 — airlines and the government are under increasing pressure to address the ongoing airfare issue. With airfares continuing to rise, travelers are left with few affordable options, forcing many to reconsider their travel plans.
The government is expected to continue pressing airlines to address the situation and work towards more reasonable fare structures to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims. Airlines are being urged to act quickly to prevent further frustration among passengers and ensure that air travel to Prayagraj remains accessible to all.
Government’s Role in Controlling Airfare Prices During the Maha Kumbh
The soaring airfares to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh have created significant concerns for travelers. The government is stepping in to address the issue, urging airlines to increase flight capacity and rationalize ticket prices. With airfares continuing to rise for key Kumbh dates, the authorities are expected to take further steps to ensure that air travel to Prayagraj remains affordable and accessible to all pilgrims.