SpiceJet to Launch New Routes
Airlines Step Up for Mahakumbh 2025: SpiceJet and Akasa Air Expand Flight Operations to Prayagraj
As Prayagraj braces for the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists for Mahakumbh 2025, the demand for air travel has surged, leading to a significant increase in airfares. Recognizing the strain on travelers, budget airlines SpiceJet and Akasa Air have announced new routes and additional flights to the holy city, ensuring that attendees can travel comfortably without breaking the bank. This proactive response by airlines, supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), aims to cater to the increased demand and ease the travel experience for thousands of passengers.
Prayagraj Witnesses Soaring Airfares Amid Mahakumbh
The Mahakumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and its significance attracts millions of people from across the globe. This high volume of travelers to Prayagraj has caused a sharp rise in airfares, particularly during peak booking periods. With limited flights available to the city, travelers are being faced with expensive ticket prices, creating an obstacle for many who wish to attend the event.
In response to these challenges, the government and airlines have been working to expand services to Prayagraj, which will help alleviate the pressures caused by the demand. With additional flights planned, travelers can expect more affordable travel options in the coming weeks.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air Launch New Flights to Meet Growing Demand
SpiceJet, a key player in India’s budget airline sector, has announced a major expansion of its flight network to Prayagraj. Starting in February, SpiceJet will operate additional flights between Prayagraj and several major cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. This move will add approximately 43,000 new seats, providing much-needed relief to those struggling with high airfares.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air, which has been rapidly expanding its presence in the Indian aviation industry, will also begin operating new routes to Prayagraj. Akasa will launch nine flights from Ahmedabad and twelve flights from Bengaluru, adding around 4,000 more seats to the route. These new services will ensure that travelers from different parts of the country have better access to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.
Both SpiceJet and Akasa Air’s expanded operations align with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme. This initiative aims to make air travel more accessible to people from small towns and regional centers, and the addition of these flights to Prayagraj is a testament to the success of this vision.
Ministry of Civil Aviation Pushes for Increased Connectivity
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been instrumental in encouraging airlines to ramp up services to Prayagraj. Recognizing the importance of the Mahakumbh and its cultural and religious significance, MoCA has worked closely with the airline industry to ensure the seamless transportation of travelers to the city. By urging airlines to increase flight capacity, the government has helped meet the rising demand and ensure that the event remains accessible to all.
MoCA’s support has not only resulted in additional flights but has also helped stabilize ticket prices, which were on the rise due to the increased demand. The government’s intervention has made it possible for pilgrims to travel to Prayagraj without facing prohibitively expensive fares.
The Significance of Mahakumbh and Its Impact on Travel
The Mahakumbh is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey for millions of Hindus, who come to Prayagraj to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers. The event attracts not only domestic pilgrims but also international visitors, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind.
Due to its immense scale, the Mahakumbh has a profound impact on travel, with cities like Prayagraj seeing an exponential rise in visitors. This leads to high demand for transportation services, including flights. To accommodate this demand, airlines have had to increase capacity and introduce new routes to ensure that passengers can reach the city with ease.
As Mahakumbh 2025 approaches, the surge in demand for air travel to Prayagraj has prompted airlines like SpiceJet and Akasa Air to expand their flight networks, offering more choices and affordable options to travelers. Supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this move not only meets the increased demand but also ensures that the journey to Prayagraj remains accessible to all. With additional flights scheduled and more seats available, pilgrims and tourists can now look forward to a smoother travel experience during this significant event.
