As the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj gains momentum, both airfares and bookings have witnessed a significant surge. With millions of devotees travelling to attend the religious event, the demand for flights to Prayagraj has led to an upsurge in air ticket prices. A report by travel portal ixigo highlights the extent of the price rise and the corresponding increase in travel demand.
Airfares Soar Amid High Demand
The demand for flights to Prayagraj has resulted in a sharp increase in airfares for the period surrounding the Maha Kumbh, running from January 13 to February 26, 2025. According to ixigo’s analysis, airfare from Delhi to Prayagraj has risen by 21 per cent, with the one-way fare now averaging Rs 5,748. Similarly, the Mumbai-Prayagraj route has seen a 13 per cent increase, with airfares now at Rs 6,381. For Thursday, January 16, passengers travelling from Delhi (DEL) to Prayagraj (IXD) can expect the following fares- IndiGo: Rs 19,497, Alliance Air (Air India): Rs 23,727 and SpiceJet: Rs 26,215.
One of the most dramatic increases has been observed for the Bhopal-Prayagraj flights, with prices soaring by a staggering 498 per cent—from Rs 2,977 last year to Rs 17,796 this year. Other routes, such as Bengaluru to Prayagraj and Ahmedabad to Prayagraj, have also experienced considerable fare hikes of 89 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively.
Flights to Nearby Cities Also Witness Price Hikes
Travelers seeking to fly to cities near Prayagraj, like Lucknow and Varanasi, are also facing higher fares. Prices on these routes have increased between 3 per cent and 21 per cent, reflecting the broader trend in airfares during this period of heightened demand for travel to the region due to the religious festival.
Bookings Surge as Kumbh Attracts Devotees
Flight bookings to Prayagraj have jumped by an impressive 162 per cent on a year-on-year basis. Notably, bookings to nearby cities like Lucknow and Varanasi have also surged by 42 per cent and 127 per cent, respectively. This demonstrates the massive interest in the Maha Kumbh and the importance of nearby airports as alternatives for travelers.
ixigo also reported that Prayagraj, which previously had limited air connectivity, is now directly connected to over 20 destinations through both direct and one-stop flights. This marks a significant improvement in accessibility compared to the last Maha Kumbh, when there was just one direct flight route available from Delhi.
Peak Fare Days and High Demand for Key ‘Snan’ Dates
While booking early can help mitigate some of the cost increases, certain days—especially around key ‘snan’ (bathing) dates—are seeing even higher fares. For example, flights on January 27th, a day expected to see high turnout, have one-way fares from major metros like Mumbai soaring up to Rs 27,000 for direct, non-stop flights.
Rising Train Bookings Reflect High Travel Demand
The surge in air travel to Prayagraj is paralleled by an increase in train bookings for the same period. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place once every 12 years, is drawing a massive influx of devotees. Some seers claim that the celestial alignments for this year’s event are taking place once in 144 years, adding a layer of spiritual significance and making this year’s gathering even more auspicious.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant and well-attended religious events in India’s history. With heightened demand for both flights and trains, and limited availability of certain routes, airfares to Prayagraj and nearby cities have risen substantially. For travelers planning to attend, booking in advance remains essential to securing seats and mitigating high ticket costs. As the event continues to unfold, the competition for travel options is likely to remain intense until the Kumbh concludes on February 26, 2025.