Air fares soar by 300-600 pc during Mahakumbh; 8 in 10 passengers report excessive fare payment, ET TravelWorld

As the Mahakumbh festival attracts an influx of pilgrims, airfares to Prayagraj and Varanasi have surged by 300 per cent to 600 per cent. Passengers are now paying INR 20,000 to INR 40,000 for flights that typically cost around INR 5,000, sparking widespread dissatisfaction. The price hikes have led 8 in 10 passengers to report paying excessively high fares (1.5 times the standard price) over the last year.

The surge in fares has reignited discussions about government intervention to cap airfare increases during peak travel periods. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has previously expressed interest in addressing soaring fares, and a parliamentary panel proposed implementing route-specific fare ceilings. Despite these concerns, airlines argue that airfare fluctuations are driven by supply and demand dynamics.

A survey by LocalCircles, conducted with over 30,000 respondents from across 304 districts in India, reveals that 60per cent of passengers want the government to introduce a fare ceiling set at twice the standard price to prevent profiteering. The survey found that 41 per cent of respondents paid excessive fares 1-2 times in the past year, while 36per cent paid 3-5 times. Additionally, 22per cent of respondents oppose government intervention, believing that airlines should have the flexibility to set their own prices.

The survey highlights public frustration with the apparent profiteering during events like Mahakumbh, with passengers calling for stronger regulation of airfares. While consumers recognise the need for airlines to make a profit, they are urging authorities to address the growing trend of exorbitant ticket prices during peak seasons.

The survey results reflect a widespread demand for greater oversight, with the aviation regulator yet to act on these growing concerns from passengers.