India, Jan. 26 -- Airfares to Prayagraj and Varanasi have skyrocketed by 300% to 600% as thousands of pilgrims travel for the Mahakumbh.

With one-way-tickets from Delhi to Prayagraj costing between Rs. 20,000 - 30,000 and for Delhi to Varanasi between Rs. 20,000 - 40,000, many travelers are forced to explore alternative airports as flights to Prayagraj sell out.

This skyrocketing air fare is against the around Rs 5,000 for a one-way trip to these cities under normal circumstances.

This patters of extreme fair hikes during festive season or during major events has always been a contentious issue and causes deep looses to the air passengers pockets. While, Airlines defend the increases as a function of supply and demand, but passengers a...