New Delhi: Airfares to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, have surged by around 600% due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, with millions of people flocking to the city for the religious event. As many as 12 crore pilgrims have already attended the gathering, which began on January 13, and more are expected to arrive for Mauni Amavasya on January 29, a key bathing day. The event, held once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26.
The drastic rise in airfares has prompted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to intervene. According to travel portal Skyscanner, flight prices from Delhi to Prayagraj have jumped to over ₹21,000 for a one-way ticket, with tickets from Mumbai priced between ₹22,000 and ₹60,000. Travelers from Bengaluru are facing ticket prices between ₹26,000 and ₹48,000 for a one-way flight. In normal circumstances, these tickets would cost around ₹5,000.
This sudden hike in airfares during peak seasons, particularly during the Maha Kumbh, has drawn criticism. A parliamentary panel had proposed in February last year that the government should establish guidelines to curb such surges in prices. Airlines often justify the fare increases by citing supply and demand dynamics, but critics argue that it amounts to price gouging.
In response to the airfare spike, the DGCA has asked airlines to rationalize prices for flights to Prayagraj. The watchdog has also approved 81 additional flights in January to increase air connectivity to the city, bringing the total number of flights to 132 to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
