The government has intervened to address the steep hike in airfares to Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Union aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam has convened a meeting with airlines to examine the reasons behind the surge and explore solutions to the travel demand crisis.

The issue has been brought into sharp focus as ticket prices skyrocket ahead of the Jan 29 Mauni Amavasya snan, one of the major events of the Maha Kumbh. According to travel portals, return tickets for Jan 28 and return two days later from Chennai are priced at over ₹53,000. From nearby Kolkata, tickets exceed ₹35,500, while passengers from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are facing fares upwards of ₹47,500 to ₹51,000.

In response to the demand surge, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had approved 81 additional flights in January, increasing Prayagraj's connectivity to 132 flights. However, the demand for seats still far outweighs the supply, resulting in exorbitant fares. Airlines have reported that most flights are already sold out, with the remaining seats priced in the highest fare brackets.

Government officials are expected to demand a detailed break-up from airlines, outlining the ticket sales across various price categories. Sources indicate that similar fare spikes are anticipated for the upcoming important bathing dates: Feb 3 (Basant Panchami), Feb 12 (Maghi Purnima), and Feb 26 (Maha Shivratri, the event’s concluding day). For instance, return tickets for Feb 14-16 are priced above ₹33,000 from Delhi, ₹40,000 from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and ₹45,000 from Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The DGCA had previously urged airlines to further increase capacity and rationalize fares to alleviate the burden on pilgrims and travelers. However, the unprecedented demand surrounding this spiritual event continues to challenge the aviation sector.

As Maha Kumbh draws millions to Prayagraj, the government’s efforts to ensure affordable travel options remain critical in facilitating smooth participation in this historic and sacred gathering.