The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has urged airlines to rationalise airfares to Prayagraj, citing concerns over skyrocketing ticket prices as demand surges during the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
Airlines such as SpiceJet have ramped up operations, with the DGCA approving 81 additional flights in January, bringing the total number of flights to Prayagraj to 132. Despite the increase, airfares have soared, with some passengers reporting ticket prices nearly tripling.
“I usually pay around ?4,000 for a round trip from Delhi to Prayagraj, but this time, it’s over ?12,000,” said Rajeev Mishra, a businessman travelling for the Maha Kumbh. “It feels like airlines are taking advantage of the situation.”
Travel agents echo this sentiment, pointing to the unprecedented demand. “Fares have gone through the roof. Even with extra flights, availability is limited, and airlines are charging a premium,” said Praveen Singh, a travel consultant in Lucknow.
The DGCA, in a post on X on Saturday, emphasised the need for airlines to address this issue. “Airlines have been urged to increase capacity further and rationalise fares to make travel more accessible,” the regulator said. A meeting with airline representatives was held on January 23 to discuss fare control measures.
According to travel portal Ixigo, fares for Delhi-Prayagraj flights alone have increased by up to 21%. “The hike is disheartening, especially for devotees who have been planning this pilgrimage for years,” said Sneha Gupta, a homemaker who had to alter her travel plans due to high costs.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, continues to attract millions of devotees, pushing airlines and regulators to strike a balance between capacity and affordability.
