Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Airfares to Prayagraj Surge by 600%, DGCA Intervenes

As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to attract millions of pilgrims, airfares to Prayagraj have skyrocketed by nearly 600%, making travel increasingly expensive for devotees. With the upcoming Mauni Amavasya on January 29, a key bathing day, flight ticket prices have reached unprecedented levels, prompting intervention from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Soaring Airfares Amid Maha Kumbh Rush

The surge in ticket prices has been dramatic, with one-way flights from Delhi to Prayagraj exceeding ₹21,000 as of Monday. Airfares from Mumbai range between ₹22,000 and ₹60,000, while tickets from Bengaluru cost ₹26,000 to ₹48,000. This sharp contrast to the usual ₹5,000 fares has sparked criticism, with many calling it an exploitation of religious tourism.

The travel platform Skyscanner highlighted the trend. Sharing below some traveller data from Skyscanner, highlighting the high travel demand among Indian as well as international travellers:  

Domestic:   

• Skyscanner observed a significant increase in travel interest for the Maha Kumbh, with elevated booking volumes from January 12 continuing through February 26 aligning with key dates of the holy dip rituals. 
• January 28 stands out as the peak travel date, indicating higher travel interest due to the Second Shahi Snan (royal bath) on January 29, which is considered highly auspicious. Other dates with high booking volumes include January 14, 15, 25, and 29. 
• Notably, January 28 has recorded a staggering 675% increase in booking volume compared to a typical day.  Compared to the same time last year when no event was held in Prayagraj, the volume of bookings has surgedby 1,776%, reflecting the growing enthusiasm to attend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  
• Based on Skyscanner data in the week of January 20, searches for travel in February have spiked across key domestic routes, with the following emerging as sought after routes in the last 28 days. Interestingly, searches for nearby airports, such as Varanasi, have also witnessed a surge, indicating a growing interest in indirect travel routes. 

o   Bengaluru to Varanasi  o   Mumbai to Varanasi  o   Mumbai to Prayagraj  

• The data also reveals that the following routes witnessed a significant week-on-week (WoW) growth in searches for travel in February: 

o   Hyderabad – Prayagraj: up by 2,815%  o Pune – Prayagraj: up by 1,345%   o Prayagraj – Mumbai: up by 870%  

Based on Skyscanner data in the week of January 20 as compared to searches in the week of January 13 

International:  With significant interest from international travellers planning their visits around the key holy dip dates (January 13, January 14, January 29, February 3, February 12, February 26), it is evident that the spiritual event has a global appeal. The top five international cities that have searched for travel to Prayagraj around these dates are: Doha, Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi And Singapore.

DGCA Steps In, Approves Additional Flights

In response, the DGCA has instructed airlines to rationalize fares, ensuring that flights remain accessible to the general public. To accommodate the surge in demand, the aviation authority has approved 81 additional flights for January, increasing the total number of flights to Prayagraj to 132 from various cities across India.

Despite these measures, critics argue that airlines are taking advantage of the high demand. However, airline operators maintain that prices are dictated by market dynamics and increased demand during peak travel periods.

Over 12 Crore Pilgrims Attend Maha Kumbh 2025

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 12 crore pilgrims have already visited the Maha Kumbh Mela since it began on January 13. By Sunday afternoon, over 1.17 crore devotees had taken a holy dip at Sangam. The festival, which occurs once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26.

Government’s Stance on Rising Airfares

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has expressed concern over the escalating airfares.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and exploring ways to make flights more affordable for the public,” he stated.

A parliamentary committee had previously recommended that the government introduce guidelines to regulate airfare hikes during peak seasons and major festivals. However, no concrete action has been implemented yet.

Significance of Mauni Amavasya at Maha Kumbh

Mauni Amavasya, which falls on the new moon in the Hindu month of Magha, holds great spiritual significance. Devotees believe that taking a holy dip in the Ganges on this day washes away sins and grants divine blessings. This year, it is expected to draw millions of pilgrims, making it one of the most crowded and sacred days of the Maha Kumbh.

As Maha Kumbh 2025 progresses, the soaring airfare remains a major concern for devotees traveling to Prayagraj. With DGCA’s intervention and additional flights, authorities hope to ease the financial burden on pilgrims while ensuring a smooth travel experience for all.

Stay tuned for more updates on Maha Kumbh 2025 and travel advisories.