Airfares to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, have surged
dramatically ahead of the significant ‘Mauni Amavasya’ on January 29, a key
bathing day during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. The soaring prices have raised
concerns, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to
intervene.
As millions of devotees continue to visit the religious
gathering, the airfare prices have risen by nearly 600 percent. According to
travel portal Skyscanner, one-way tickets from Delhi to Prayagraj are priced at
over ₹21,000, with flights from Mumbai ranging between ₹22,000 to ₹44,000.
Passengers traveling from Bengaluru could face fares ranging from ₹26,000 to
₹48,000 for a one-way ticket. In comparison, airfares under normal
circumstances usually range between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000.
More than 12 crore people have visited the Mahakumbh since
it began on January 13. The event, held once every 12 years, will continue
until February 26. The spike in ticket prices has been linked to the
overwhelming demand, especially as devotees prepare to attend the Mauni
Amavasya, a day considered auspicious for a holy dip at the Sangam.
In response to the fare hikes, the DGCA has instructed
airlines to rationalize the airfares for flights to Prayagraj during the
Mahakumbh. Additionally, the DGCA has approved 81 additional flights to
accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, increasing the total number of
flights to Prayagraj to 132.
The price increase during peak religious events has sparked
debate over airline pricing practices. Airlines argue that the surge reflects
basic supply and demand, but critics have raised concerns over potential
profiteering.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured the
public that the government would address this issue. He emphasized the need for
measures to ensure flight accessibility and affordability for all passengers.