Travellers to Prayagraj are experiencing a sharp increase in airfare prices as Maha Kumbh 2025 progresses. Round-trip tickets from Chennai for travel on January 28 and return on January 30 exceed Rs 53,000, while fares from Kolkata have surpassed Rs 35,500. Passengers flying from Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi are facing fares above Rs 47,500, with Bengaluru travellers seeing prices over Rs 51,000. Similar trends are being observed for key ‘snan’ (holy bath) dates, such as Basant Panchami on February 3, Maghi Purnima on February 12, and Maha Shivratri on February 26.
For flights from New Delhi (DEL) to Prayagraj (IXD) on February 1, several options are available. For a one-way trip, SpiceJet offers two nonstop flights: the first departs at 5:10 AM and arrives at 6:45 AM, priced at Rs 13,888. The second departs at 3:15 PM and arrives at 4:40 PM, with a fare of Rs 18,660. Air India flight priced at Rs 19,583. Alliance Air fare is Rs 23,727. Lastly, the Akasa Air ticket is priced at Rs 25,565.
For flights from Kolkata (CCU) to Prayagraj (IXD) on February 1, there are a few options as well. For a one-way trip, Air India fare is Rs 23,764 and Rs 26,807. IndiGo and SpiceJet offer a flight leaving at 10:30 PM and arriving at 6:45 AM the next day. This flight has a duration of 8 hours and 15 minutes, with a 4-hour 10-minute layover in Delhi, priced at Rs 27,543.
For flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Prayagraj (IXD) on February 1, there are several options. For a one-way trip, SpiceJet offers a nonstop flight priced at Rs 21,144 and Rs 22,257 while Air India flight ticket costs Rs 32,401.
Regulatory Intervention to Address Rising Costs
In response to the soaring ticket prices, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has urged airlines to regulate fares and increase capacity. On January 23, DGCA officials met with airline representatives to address the issue and emphasized the importance of rationalising prices. “In view of likely surge in demand, DG (CA) met airlines on 23 January 2025 and urged them to increase further capacity by adding flights and rationalise fares,” the regulator posted on X.
To accommodate the rising number of pilgrims, the DGCA has approved 81 additional flights in January, bringing Prayagraj’s total air connectivity to 132 flights across the country. This measure aims to alleviate pressure and provide more travel options for devotees.
The Maha Kumbh is attracting a significant influx of domestic and international travellers. With the rise in travel interest and escalating costs, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure accessibility for all pilgrims.