DGCA raps airlines after airfare to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh surges 21 per cent

In response to skyrocketing airfares to Prayagraj during Mahakumbh 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to increase capacity and regulate fares to prevent unfair pricing.

The move comes after complaints from air travelers who reported that flight tickets from Delhi to Prayagraj had surged to Rs 25,000, a five-fold increase from the usual Rs 5,000.

On January 23, the DGCA met with airline representatives to discuss the sudden spike in ticket prices and urged them to increase the number of flights to meet demand. Following this, the regulator approved 81 additional flights for January, bringing the total number of flights to Prayagraj to 132 from across the country.

"In view of the likely surge in demand, DGCA met airlines on January 23 and urged them to increase further capacity by adding flights and rationalizing fares," the regulator stated.

According to airline sources, the fare surge is due to dynamic pricing based on supply and demand.

Airlines ramp up connectivity to Prayagraj

As Mahakumbh 2025 continues to draw millions of pilgrims, Prayagraj Airport is witnessing unprecedented passenger traffic. For the first time in 106 years, the airport is handling night flights, and it has also received its first international flight in 93 years.

46 daily flights are now operational from Prayagraj. Connectivity has expanded to 15 domestic destinations.

The terminal has been upgraded to handle 1,650 passengers per hour. 

"Prayagraj Airport has achieved new milestones during Mahakumbh 2025," the Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated in a post on X.

Several airlines have announced special flights to Prayagraj:

* SpiceJet introduced new direct flights from Guwahati, Chennai, and Hyderabad starting January 24.

* Akasa Air expanded its services with special flights from Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru via Delhi, in addition to its daily direct services from Mumbai beginning January 25.

Criticism over unfair pricing practices

Despite the increase in flights, concerns over price gouging persist. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal criticized both airlines and the government, calling the pricing strategy "unfair and unethical."

"The state government, along with religious and social organizations, is ensuring the best possible services for devotees attending Mahakumbh. However, some airline companies are taking undue advantage of the high demand by inflating airfares to exorbitant levels. This is unfair and unethical. Mahakumbh is a time for hospitality and devotion, not for exploitation," Bansal said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The world's largest religious gathering

Mahakumbh 2025, one of the world's largest spiritual congregations, is being held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. So far, over 10 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Describing the Maha Kumbh as the biggest global event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the festival as a symbol of unity and likened Sanatan Dharma to a banyan tree, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance.

With record-breaking footfall, increased air traffic, and expanded connectivity, Mahakumbh 2025 is set to make history, drawing devotees and visitors from around the world.

Key bathing dates:

January 29 – Mauni Amavasya (Second Shahi Snan)
February 3 – Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
February 12 – Maghi Purnima
February 26 – Maha Shivaratri