In a major expansion of air traffic during Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Centre has undertaken efforts to increase air travel facilities for the pilgrims. Mahakumbh mela is underway in Prayagraj and will culminate on February 26. 81 new flights have been added to the schedule in January 2025 to facilitate pilgrims.
Currently, 132 flights are operating with around 80,000 monthly seats to Prayagraj from across India. As of now, the holy city of Prayagraj is connected directly with 17 cities across India as against 8 cities in December 2024. With direct and connecting flights reaching to 26 cities, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam, Prayagraj is now a well-connected hub for devotees, the government said in a statement.
Meanwhile, DGCA has advised airlines to ensure sufficient capacity to accommodate passengers following directions from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. The minister has also ensured that airfares remain in check during peak of the Mahakumbh especially during the forthcoming Shahi Sanan on January 29, February 3, and other important Sanan on February 4, February 12, and February 26.
Additional flights to Prayagraj
Akasa Air is likely to begin operating flights on January 28 and 29, connecting Ahmedabad.
In February, the airline plans to operate 9 flight from Ahmedabad and 12 flight from Bangalore to Prayagraj adding approximately 4,000 seats.
SpiceJet is set to launch flight services between Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur and Hyderabad to Prayagraj, adding approximately 43,000 seats in February.
Influx of travelers to Prayagraj
The new flights are part of the ongoing efforts to ensure regional connectivity and accommodate the influx of travelers to Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh festival. The addition of these flights is expected to ease the pressure on airfares and improve overall accessibility for devotees and tourists.
Prayagraj airport witnessed 30,172 passengers and operated 226 flights in just one week during Mahakumbh, surpassing 5,000 passengers in a single day for the first time. Night flights were also introduced, enabling 24/7 connectivity for the first time in 106 years.
Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj has prompted a significant increase in air travel connecitivity. 81 new flights will be added in January 28, 29, supplementing the existing 132 flights and providing approximately 80,000 monthly seats. Business Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
