Flight Charges Surge Amid Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj
The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced on January 13 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This grand religious event, lasting 45 days until February 26, is expected to attract an estimated 400 million devotees from across India and the world, according to officials.
The influx of pilgrims has significantly impacted airfare to Prayagraj, with prices skyrocketing. Travel portal Ixigo reported that airfares between Delhi and Prayagraj have increased by 21%. Similarly, the fare for flights between Bhopal and Prayagraj, which was ₹2,977 last year, has surged by a staggering 498%, reaching ₹17,796.
Bengaluru-Prayagraj flight prices have seen an 89% hike, reaching ₹11,158, while Mumbai-Prayagraj fares increased by 13%, now at ₹6,381. Ahmedabad-Prayagraj routes have experienced a 41% rise in ticket costs.
Even flights to nearby cities like Varanasi and Lucknow have seen significant fare increases of 21%. The demand for Varanasi tickets surged by 127%, and for Lucknow tickets by 42%, while average flight bookings rose by 162%.
