Surge in Airfares to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025: Airlines Respond with Increased Flights and Seats
As the grand Mahakumbh 2025 draws near, the holy city of Prayagraj is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for air travel. The increase in passenger flows during this religious event has led to a sharp rise in airfares, prompting both the government and airlines to take immediate action. In response to the soaring demand, budget carriers SpiceJet and Akasa Air have announced plans to ramp up flight operations to Prayagraj, adding thousands of additional seats in the coming month.
Prayagraj Sees Surge in Air Travel Demand Amid Mahakumbh
The Mahakumbh, a spiritual gathering that attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists, has significantly impacted travel to Prayagraj. Typically, the demand for air tickets to the city is already high during religious occasions, but the upcoming Mahakumbh is expected to be one of the largest in recent years. This surge in demand has led to a notable hike in airfares, making it increasingly difficult for travelers to find affordable options.
With limited flight capacity to Prayagraj, travelers have found themselves paying considerably higher prices, especially for last-minute bookings. This price hike has raised concerns among those planning to attend the event. To mitigate these challenges, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been closely monitoring the situation and encouraging airlines to increase connectivity to Prayagraj.
SpiceJet to Launch New Routes, Akasa Air Expands Services
Responding to the government’s nudge, SpiceJet, one of India’s leading budget airlines, has announced that it will operate additional flights to Prayagraj from various cities across the country. SpiceJet is set to introduce new routes connecting Prayagraj with major urban centers, including Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. These additions will help alleviate the pressure on the existing flight infrastructure and ensure more options for travelers.
According to MoCA, SpiceJet plans to add around 43,000 additional seats to the Prayagraj route in February 2025. This move is expected to ease the burden of high airfares and provide more affordable travel options for pilgrims and tourists attending the Mahakumbh. The airline’s expanded operations will significantly boost Prayagraj’s air connectivity, allowing easier access to the city from different parts of the country.
Additionally, Akasa Air, another budget carrier that has been making strides in the Indian aviation industry, will also be increasing its presence in Prayagraj. The airline will soon begin operating flights connecting the city with Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, two key hubs. Akasa Air’s new routes will add a total of 4,000 seats, with nine flights from Ahmedabad and twelve flights from Bengaluru.
This initiative by SpiceJet and Akasa Air is expected to meet the increased demand for air travel to Prayagraj, offering passengers a variety of flight options and helping to stabilize prices in the process.
Government’s Role in Encouraging Airlines to Meet High Demand
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has played a pivotal role in facilitating the growth of air travel to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh. Recognizing the importance of the event and the need for increased flight capacity, the government has worked closely with airlines to ensure that they have the necessary resources to meet the soaring demand.
By urging airlines to add more flights, MoCA has not only contributed to easing the burden on passengers but also helped in maintaining a steady flow of people to Prayagraj, ensuring that the event remains accessible to all. This move aligns with the government’s broader goals of boosting regional connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible to people across India.
Significance of Mahakumbh and Its Impact on Travel
The Mahakumbh is a massive religious and cultural event that takes place once every 12 years in India. It is one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, with millions of pilgrims flocking to Prayagraj to bathe in the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers. The spiritual significance of the Mahakumbh, combined with the large number of people attending, makes it a major event on the global tourism calendar.
The surge in air travel demand during the Mahakumbh is not limited to domestic travelers. International pilgrims and tourists also travel to Prayagraj, further contributing to the strain on air travel and accommodation options. In light of this, the government’s proactive steps to enhance flight services are crucial to ensuring that attendees can travel to and from Prayagraj with relative ease.
As Prayagraj prepares for the Mahakumbh 2025, the rise in airfares has prompted a swift response from both the government and airlines. With SpiceJet and Akasa Air launching additional flights to the city, travelers can expect more affordable and convenient options for their journey. This initiative not only supports the smooth flow of pilgrims and tourists to the event but also highlights the importance of effective collaboration between the aviation industry and the government in meeting the needs of the public during peak travel periods.