In a move to address concerns over soaring airfares for flights to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh, IndiGo has announced significant measures to improve accessibility for travelers. On Thursday, the airline revealed that airfares have been stabilized for the route, and the number of flights has been increased to a remarkable 900 for the duration of the event.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, has witnessed a sharp rise in passenger demand, leading to escalating flight prices. The government, responding to these concerns, urged airlines to maintain reasonable ticket prices and increase flight frequencies on the Prayagraj route. IndiGo has responded by introducing a substantial increase in capacity, offering a more affordable and seamless travel experience.
The airline shared that it has cut airfares by 30-50% for flights to Prayagraj, providing relief to passengers during the peak travel period. In addition to reducing prices, IndiGo has expanded its flight operations significantly. By reallocating resources from other routes, the airline has more than doubled its regular seat capacity to Prayagraj, offering over 1,65,000 seats during the Maha Kumbh period.
To further enhance connectivity, IndiGo will now connect Prayagraj to 10 locations across India, including Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Jaipur, alongside the existing connections from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar.
The airline has also increased the frequency of flights on existing routes and deployed larger aircraft, such as the A321, to meet the high demand. This increase in frequency and capacity will ensure that the airline can comfortably handle the influx of passengers heading to one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
Overall, IndiGo will operate around 900 flights to and from Prayagraj, a significant increase from its usual 490 services. The airline’s commitment to stabilizing airfares and providing enhanced capacity reflects its dedication to ensuring the best possible travel experience for all passengers during the Maha Kumbh.
In response to rising concerns over exorbitant airfares, the civil aviation ministry intervened earlier this week, urging airlines to maintain reasonable ticket prices. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take necessary actions to regulate the cost of air tickets.
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