The upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has caused a significant spike in airfare, as flight bookings to the city surge.
According to travel portal ixigo, ticket prices for Delhi-Prayagraj flights have risen by 21%, while one-way fares from Bhopal to Prayagraj have skyrocketed by an astonishing 498%.
For example, a ticket that cost ₹2,977 last year now costs ₹17,796.
These figures are based on average fares for tickets purchased 30 days in advance for travel between January 13 and February 26, 2025.
Fare Increases Across Major Routes
Here’s how fares for major routes to Prayagraj have changed:
Delhi-Prayagraj: Increased by 21% to ₹5,748.
Mumbai-Prayagraj: Increased by 13% to ₹6,381.
Bengaluru-Prayagraj: Jumped by 89% to ₹11,158.
Ahmedabad-Prayagraj: Rose by 41% to ₹10,364.
Fares for nearby cities like Lucknow and Varanasi have also increased by 3% to 21%.
Record-Breaking Bookings and Limited Flights
Flight bookings to Prayagraj have surged by 162% compared to last year, with bookings for Lucknow and Varanasi increasing by 42% and 127%, respectively.
Prayagraj is now accessible via direct and one-stop flights to over 20 destinations. During the last Maha Kumbh, only one flight connected Prayagraj to Delhi.
Peak Fares
1) One-way airfares from major metros to Prayagraj and nearby airports average ₹7,000-10,000 if booked 30 days in advance.
2) On high-demand routes like Bhopal-Prayagraj, fares have reached ₹17,000 due to limited flight availability.
3) Fares for travel ahead of major ‘snan’ (holy dip) dates, such as January 27, are as high as ₹27,000 for one-way flights from metros like Mumbai.
Maha Kumbh: A Rare and Auspicious Occasion
This edition of the Maha Kumbh, held after 12 years, is considered especially significant due to rare astronomical coincidences that saints claim are occurring after 144 years. The event runs from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
In addition to flights, train bookings to Prayagraj during this period have also seen a sharp increase, reflecting the overwhelming demand to attend this auspicious event.
