The Mahakumbh 2025 Airfare surge is making headlines as ticket prices to Prayagraj, the host city of the mega religious event, have increased dramatically. This year’s Mahakumbh has attracted millions of devotees, resulting in a significant rise in airfares across key routes.
Flights from Bengaluru to Prayagraj now cost ₹11,158, marking a 41% increase compared to previous rates. The airfares from Bhopal have seen the steepest rise, soaring to ₹17,796 from just ₹2,977 last year – a staggering 500% jump, according to travel portal ixigo.
Steep Rise In Airfare For Major Routes
Prayagraj, the epicenter of Mahakumbh 2025, has experienced unprecedented demand for travel. Consequently, air ticket prices for several key routes have skyrocketed:
- Delhi to Prayagraj: ₹5,748, up by 21%.
- Mumbai to Prayagraj: ₹6,381, an increase of 13%.
- Ahmedabad to Prayagraj: ₹10,364, up by 41%.
- Lucknow to Prayagraj: Fares have risen by 3-21%.
- Varanasi to Prayagraj: A similar hike of up to 21%.
Travelers from cities like Lucknow and Varanasi, already near Prayagraj, are also experiencing notable price increases.
Bengaluru Flights Among The Costliest
Bengaluru, one of India’s IT hubs, stands out for its sharp 41% increase in airfares to Prayagraj. At ₹11,158 for a one-way ticket, it underscores the impact of Mahakumbh on flight demand. However, the highest surge remains on flights from Bhopal, which have seen an almost 500% jump.
Impact Of Mahakumbh On Travel Demand
The Mahakumbh is not only a religious gathering but also one of the largest cultural congregations in the world. Held every 12 years, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from across India and the globe. This massive influx of visitors invariably strains travel infrastructure, leading to a surge in airfares.
Prayagraj, located in Uttar Pradesh, is the focal point of this grand event. The city’s connectivity with major metropolitan hubs and nearby holy cities like Varanasi and Lucknow is critical, further intensifying the demand for air travel.
Factors Driving The Airfare Surge
The spike in airfare can be attributed to several factors:
- High Demand: Millions traveling to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh have led to a demand-supply mismatch.
- Limited Flights: Despite increased demand, flight availability remains relatively static, pushing prices higher.
- Peak Season: The Mahakumbh coincides with the holiday season, further compounding demand for travel.
- Tourist Influx: In addition to pilgrims, tourists drawn to the event for cultural and historical significance contribute to rising travel costs.
Planning Your Travel For Mahakumbh 2025
For those planning to attend Mahakumbh 2025, booking tickets well in advance can help manage costs. With airfares rising rapidly, early planning and exploring alternative travel options, such as trains, can offer some relief.
Additionally, the government has made efforts to boost connectivity to Prayagraj by increasing train services and improving road infrastructure. While air travel remains the fastest option, those on a budget might find rail or road transport more feasible during the event.
The Mahakumbh 2025 Airfare surge highlights the importance of strategic planning for significant events like this. Despite the high costs, the Mahakumbh remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions, making it worth every effort to participate in this grand spiritual gathering.