Airfares through the roof; flights to Prayagraj touch Rs 56,000

Ahead of Mauni Amavasya and other auspicious bathing days for the Mahakumbh Mela, airfares to Prayagraj from major cities have skyrocketed.

- Anupam Srivastava

LUCKNOW: While the ticket costs for Delhi to Prayagraj flights have soared to Rs 20,000 or more from Rs 5,000, one seeking to fly in from Mumbai must shell out anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 56,000.

This surge in ticket prices comes as airlines capitalize on the heightened demand, with lakhs of devotees reaching Prayagraj for the auspicious Mahakumbh. The surge is despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issuing directives to airlines to regulate airfares. Flying non-stop from Delhi to Prayagraj on January 29 with Akasa Airlines will cost one Rs 24,262. Air India is charging Rs 28,739 for the same route. Flights with layovers are even more expensive.