Government Initiates Measures to Rationalise Airfares for Prayagraj Flights Amid Maha Kumbh Demand

The civil aviation ministry is taking steps to manage airfares and increase flights to Prayagraj due to the Maha Kumbh. The event, which runs until February 26, has led to a surge in demand. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) met with airlines last week, urging them to add more flights and adjust ticket prices.

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Currently, Prayagraj is served by 132 flights offering around 80,000 seats monthly from various Indian cities. This is a significant increase from December 2024 when it was connected to only eight cities. Now, Prayagraj has direct links with 17 cities. The ministry's release highlighted that Prayagraj is now accessible from 26 cities, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam, enhancing connectivity for devotees.

Increased Flights and Regional Connectivity

The ministry emphasised that the new flights are part of efforts to boost regional connectivity during the Maha Kumbh period. These additional flights aim to ease airfare pressure and improve accessibility for both devotees and tourists. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has directed airlines to maintain reasonable airfares as festival peak days approach, especially during key dates like January 29, February 3, and other significant days in February.

Under current regulations, airfares are deregulated and not controlled by the government. However, DGCA has advised airlines to ensure enough capacity for passengers during this busy period. Akasa Air will begin flights on January 28 and 29 from Ahmedabad to Prayagraj. In February, they plan nine flights from Ahmedabad and twelve from Bengaluru, adding about 4,000 seats.

Airlines Responding to Demand

SpiceJet will launch flights from Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to Prayagraj. This will add approximately 43,000 seats in February. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, noted that rising airfares impact tourism negatively for both domestic and international travellers.

The ongoing Maha Kumbh has seen Prayagraj airport handle 30,172 passengers with 226 flights in just one week. For the first time, over 5,000 passengers were recorded in a single day. Night flights have also been introduced to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Infrastructure Enhancements at Prayagraj Airport

Earlier this month, travel portal ixigo reported a significant increase in bookings and airfares for Prayagraj flights due to the Maha Kumbh. Air ticket prices have risen by up to 21% for Delhi-Prayagraj routes. The ministry's release mentioned improvements at Prayagraj airport with new lounges, a childcare room, and six boarding bridges.

Food and beverage options have expanded with more counters and the UDAN Yatri Cafe offering affordable meals. The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will end on February 26.