Akasa Air Reduces Ticket Prices and Increases Flights to Prayagraj Amid Maha Kumbh Festival

Akasa Air has slashed ticket prices for flights to Prayagraj by 30-45%, responding to government requests for fair fares. The airline has also increased the number of flights to the city. This move comes as airfares have surged due to the Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will end on February 26.

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On Wednesday, the civil aviation ministry urged airlines to boost flights and keep fares reasonable for Prayagraj routes. Akasa Air announced on Thursday that it has enhanced connectivity to Prayagraj with special flights from Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru. These are in addition to daily direct services from Mumbai and Delhi.

Increased Flights and Reduced Fares

According to sources, Akasa Air's ticket prices for Prayagraj flights have been reduced by 30-45%. Their website shows a Pune-Prayagraj flight on February 19 priced slightly above Rs 28,000. Meanwhile, Air India has also added more flights to Prayagraj.

Starting February 1, 2025, Air India will operate a second daily service between Delhi and Prayagraj until February 28, 2025. Additionally, Air India has introduced special daily services between Mumbai and Prayagraj, running until the same date.

Air India Expands Services

With these additions, Air India will offer 21 weekly flights to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh. Air India Express will start daily direct flights between Delhi and Varanasi from February 5. Furthermore, Bengaluru–Varanasi flights will increase from three to four per day.

The Hyderabad–Varanasi route, already operating daily, will see thirty more flights added in February and March. This expansion provides more travel options for pilgrims and visitors, according to a release from the carrier.

Government Intervention on High Fares

On January 25, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi addressed a letter to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu about complaints of high airfares for Prayagraj flights. The significant rise in travel demand has led to steep airfare prices from various parts of the country.

This situation has made it challenging for devotees planning air travel to the Maha Kumbh. "I shall be grateful if you could kindly look into the matter considering the consumer interest and do the needful," Joshi stated in his letter.

The efforts by airlines like Akasa Air and Air India aim to address these concerns by increasing flight availability and reducing costs for travellers heading to Prayagraj during this significant event.