Mahakumbh 2025: Is flying to London cheaper than Prayagraj? Skyrocketing fares leave travellers stunned

The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj has drawn pilgrims from across the country, with many traveling by buses, trains, and flights. However, a sharp rise in flight ticket prices has left travelers facing unexpected difficulties. Reports indicate that tickets that typically cost around ₹5,000 on normal days have now surged to ₹30,000-₹50,000. This hike has caught many off guard, especially considering that international flights are now cheaper than domestic travel to Prayagraj.

Cheaper international flights than domestic travel

Interestingly, flights from Delhi to London are currently available for between ₹30,000 and ₹37,000, while tickets to Bali (Indonesia) can be found for as low as ₹27,000. Similarly, flights to Malaysia are priced between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000. These international fares make it clear that, at present, traveling abroad is more affordable than flying to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh.

Crowd surge and safety concerns during the Mahakumbh

The crowds in Prayagraj have been overwhelming, leading to incidents of stampedes at certain locations. The most tragic occurred on Mouni Amavasya day, where it was feared that 20 people may have lost their lives. Despite these safety concerns, the influx of pilgrims continues, with an estimated 10 crore people expected to arrive in Prayagraj on this day.

DGCA steps in to regulate fares

In response to the complaints about soaring flight prices, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intervened. On January 27, DGCA directed airlines not to raise fares during the Mahakumbh period. Currently, 132 flights are operating from various cities across the country to Prayagraj, with airlines like SpiceJet planning to launch new routes in February 2025 to meet the growing demand and potentially lower fares.

Rising flight costs for pilgrims

Flight prices to Prayagraj from major cities have skyrocketed. A one-way ticket from Delhi to Prayagraj now costs around ₹50,000, while from Mumbai, the fare is ₹60,000. Travelers from Bengaluru and Jaipur are facing even steeper prices, with tickets priced at ₹70,000 and ₹26,000, respectively. Flights from Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata are also experiencing high fares, ranging from ₹27,000 to ₹54,000. These increases have made travel to the Mahakumbh a costly affair for many.