Planning to attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj? Be prepared to shell out a significant amount for airfare, as prices have surged by a whopping 78% compared to last year. The average one-way fare from Pune to Prayagraj now stands at ₹11,800, up from ₹6,400 in 2024.
The lack of direct flights has only worsened the situation, with travelers having to opt for connecting flights via cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, or Ahmedabad, resulting in even higher prices. As a result, alternative routes such as Pune-Varanasi and Pune-Lucknow have also seen price hikes of 35% and 13% respectively.
For those traveling from Mumbai, be prepared to pay anywhere between ₹12,000 to ₹17,000 for a one-way ticket to Prayagraj during the festival period, a significant increase from the usual ₹5,000–₹6,000 range.
With the Maha Kumbh Mela generating immense interest this year, flight bookings to Prayagraj have surged by 162%, with similar increases for nearby airports like Varanasi and Lucknow. Prices for popular dates like January 27 have soared to as high as ₹27,000 for one-way non-stop flights from major cities like Mumbai.
However, the spike in airfare poses challenges for pilgrims, with accommodation shortage being a major issue. Mid-range lodging options are fully booked, leaving late planners with limited choices. Some are resorting to luxury tents costing up to ₹1 lakh per night, while others are struggling to find budget-friendly alternatives.
To tackle high travel costs, many pilgrims are opting to fly to nearby airports like Varanasi and then travel to Prayagraj by road to save money. Travel operators have also noted a sharp increase in fare queries and bookings, despite the price hike, and are calling for increased connectivity to meet the extraordinary demand.
Ixigo CEO Aloke Bajpai emphasized the impact of peak demand and limited flight availability on the surge in airfare, advising travelers to book tickets at least 30 days in advance for better deals. As demand for the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to grow, the need for improved infrastructure and connectivity to Prayagraj is becoming increasingly apparent to ensure smoother experiences for all attendees.
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