Air travel to the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 just became significantly more affordable, as the government announced today a 50% reduction in airfare for travelers wishing to attend the event. Starting February 1, the drastic cut aims to accommodate the anticipated massive influx of devotees and tourists flocking to Prayagraj for one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
This decision follows three meetings with airline companies aimed at addressing soaring airfares and ensuring accessibility for the millions expected. With the Mahakumbh Mela running from January 13 to February 26, 2025, officials are preparing for more than 450 million participants, including 1.5 million international tourists.
Airfares to Prayagraj had risen sharply, particularly due to the event’s popularity. Just recently, fares for the Delhi-Prayagraj route were averaging Rs 29,000, putting travel out of reach for many. Following intervention from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines were directed to rationalize their prices, with significant price drops now reported. Flight booking platforms are showing averages of around Rs 10,000, reflecting the nearly 50% reduction.
According to The Economic Times, the DGCA had been proactive, holding discussions with airline representatives as early as January 23 to tackle the escalation of costs. This led to the approval of 81 additional flights to the area, aiming to meet the growing travel demand. Consequently, the total flights operating during the Mela period have surged to 132, offering nearly 80,000 seats available per month.
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has responded particularly vigorously to the increasing travel needs by announcing the stabilization of airfare prices. The company has implemented significant capacity adjustments, scheduling 900 flights for the Maha Kumbh period and reallocates resources from less popular routes to support this surge. Indications from airline executives suggest the decline of flight prices can be directly attributed to these added services.
Meanwhile, Air India Express plans to launch daily direct flights linking Delhi with Varanasi starting February 5, enhancing accessibility for pilgrims. It is also boosting frequencies on its routes connecting Bengaluru and Varanasi and adding 30 more flights to its Hyderabad-Varanasi schedule throughout February and March. This increased service is important for managing the expected crowds and ensuring safety during peak bathing days on February 3, 4, 12, and 26.
Akasa Airlines is not lagging behind either, introducing daily flights connecting Prayagraj with key cities, including Pune and Bengaluru, via Delhi. Special direct flights will also run between January 28 and February 26, connecting Prayagraj with Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, making travel easier and more efficient for attendees.
With the event’s remarkable turnout—over 199.4 million devotees having already attended—authorities are on high alert to maintain safety. A tragic incident recently unfolded at the main bathing ghats, where overcrowding resulted in at least 30 fatalities and dozens of injuries. This prompted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to impose stricter crowd control measures, including banning vehicles from the fairgrounds and imposing one-way traffic rules, enhancing patrolling, and introducing vendor relocations.
Despite the challenges, officials are optimistic about managing the gathering effectively. A temporary city has sprung up along the riverbanks, sprawling across 4,000 hectares and equipped to host the massive gathering—with approximately 150,000 tents and toilets set up for the convenience of pilgrims.
With airfare reductions, improved accessibility, and enhanced safety measures, the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is gearing up to be a significant event, providing pilgrims with easier access to partake in this time-honored tradition. The steps taken by airlines and the government are expected to facilitate smoother travel for millions, ensuring this sacred event is both memorable and secure for all attendees.