Ahead of Mauni Amavasya and other auspicious bathing days for the Mahakumbh Mela, airfares to Prayagraj from major cities have skyrocketed. While the ticket costs for Delhi to Prayagraj flights have soared to ₹20,000 or more from ₹5,000, one seeking to fly in from Mumbai must shell out anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹56,000. (For representation) This surge in ticket prices comes as airlines capitalise on the heightened demand, with lakhs of devotees reaching Prayagraj for the auspicious Mahakumbh. The surge is despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issuing directives to airlines to regulate airfares. Flying non-stop from Delhi to Prayagraj with Akasa Airlines will cost one ₹24,262. Air India is charging ₹28,739 for the same route. Flights with layovers are even more expensive. Similarly, the price of tickets for SpiceJet’s direct flight from Mumbai to Prayagraj starts at ₹20,482; Indigo’s tickets are priced at ₹27,851 and above. However, flights with layovers are priced much higher, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹56,159. ‘Most ticket fares reasonable’ This sharp rise in fares has raised questions about …