Flight tickets have become expensive for Maha Kumbh, now VHP has raised questions

In this view, the aviation regulator has approached the airline company to rationalize airfares at Prayagraj with respect to Mahakumbh-Mahakumbh 2025.

On Monday, Vishwa Hindu Parishad alleged that some airlines are charging exorbitant fares for their flights to Prayagraj. The VHP further stated that because of this, devotees are facing severe inconvenience while coming to the Mahakumbh fair. After which the government has been urged to take immediate steps to resolve the issue.

VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal raised the issue and said that while the Uttar Pradesh government is taking full care of providing security and facilities to the devotees, many religious, social, and philanthropic organizations and people are engaged in selfless service for the convenience of the devotees coming to the Kumbh Mela.

He said in a statement, that some airline companies are taking unfair advantage of the increasing number of passengers and increasing the air fares excessively. They have increased their economy class fares from 200 percent to 700 percent, due to which the devotees coming to Mahakumbh and returning from there are facing serious inconveniences.

Bansal said that Indian Railways has expanded its services for the passengers coming for pilgrimage to Mahakumbh and returning to their homes and has also limited the fares.

The VHP official said this is completely unfair and unethical. He said that this is an opportunity to welcome the devotees coming for pilgrimage to Maha Kumbh, to show hospitality, dedication, and respect, and not to charge them "unreasonable fare".

Bansal said, that in such a situation, airline companies should limit their fares and pay special attention to the expansion of facilities and services provided to the passengers.

He said, that if the airline companies do not take care of the ticket price of the passengers who see Kumbh and return from there, then the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned departments should take immediate steps in this regard.

He said we hope that all the concerned departments and companies will consider this seriously and immediately stop this unfair and unethical act of charging excessive fares.

Airfares have increased by about 600 percent due to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where crores of people have already taken a di,p and a large number of people are expected to arrive on the main bathing day on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya on January 29. 

The hike in airfares has forced aviation regulator DGCA to intervene as a large number of people are expected to arrive for the world's largest religious congregation, especially on major bathing days like Mauni Amavasya.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines to rationalize fares for flights to Prayagraj in view of the Maha Kumbh.

The DGCA has also approved 81 additional flights in January, taking air connectivity to Prayagraj from across the country to 132 flights to meet the demand due to the Maha Kumbh. Airlines have always justified the hike in ticket prices on the basis of supply and demand. However, critics argue that it amounts to profiteering.