DGCA directs airlines to increase flights and regulate fares – what to expect

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As reported earlier, with the Mahakumbh going on, flight fares of all those connected to Prayagraj have skyrocketed. Now, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped in to address growing concerns about those skyrocketing airfares.

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This move comes in the wake of numerous complaints from air travellers about skyrocketing flight fares, with prices from Delhi to Prayagraj soaring to INR 25,000, an unprecedented increase from the usual INR 5,000, which is five times the usual fare. This surge was caused by increased demand and dynamic pricing, leaving passengers frustrated.

According to reports, the DGCA met with airline representatives on January 23 to discuss this matter and encouraged them to rationalise fares and increase the number of flights on the necessary routes. As a result of this action, an additional 81 flights were approved to accommodate the growing demand, increasing the total to 132. It is anticipated that the extra flights will make pilgrims more accessible and ease the burden on ticket costs.

Well-known airlines like SpiceJet and Akasa Air have already taken important actions and expanded their flight schedules by launching new routes from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, to Pune. Nevertheless, in spite of these efforts, unfair pricing is still an issue. Vinod Bansal, national spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, referred to this and criticised the government and airlines for exploiting the strong demand, calling it “unethical.”

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“Not only is the state government taking full care of the service, security and facilities of the devotees coming to the Maha Kumbh being held on the holy land of Prayagraj, many religious, social and service-oriented organizations and people are also engaged in service selflessly. But at the same time, some airline companies are taking unfair advantage of the increasing number of passengers and increasing the airfares wildly and charging exorbitant fares. Which is totally unfair and unethical. This is an occasion for hospitality, dedication and respectful hospitality and not for charging unfair fares,” Vinod Bansal said on X.

The Mahakumbh, held every 12 years, sees millions of pilgrims gather at the Sangam for the ritual bath. With the festival in full swing since January 13 and running until February 26, the key bathing dates of January 29, February 3, 12, and 26 will attract even more visitors.

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation announced more flights to Prayagraj to make travel easier for these millions. Prayagraj’s airport currently has direct connections to 17 places overall, up from 8, indicating its expanding function as a hub during the Mahakumbh. Prayagraj now provides round-the-clock connection with the addition of night flights, guaranteeing that no one will miss the celebration.

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Working with airlines to reallocate capacity and stop unfair pricing, the government is still on the lookout for rises in airfare. These steps are anticipated to facilitate transit for pilgrims and tourists alike as the festival goes on, making it easier to attend one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world.

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