Punekars eager to attend the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj finally have a convenient travel option as Akasa Air introduces daily flights connecting Pune to Prayagraj via Delhi. These flights will operate from January 28 to February 28, aiming to facilitate travel for the millions of devotees attending this spiritual gathering.

Praveen Iyer, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest spiritual events globally, and we are pleased to support devotees with reliable and affordable travel options.” He also noted that this enhanced connectivity would boost Prayagraj's local economy.

Flight QP 1807 departs Pune at 7:30 AM, arriving in Delhi at 9:45 AM, and continues to Prayagraj at 10:50 AM, landing at 12:15 PM. The return flight, QP 1808, leaves Prayagraj at 12:05 PM and reaches Pune at 5:15 PM via Delhi.

Despite this step, citizens and experts have raised concerns over the lack of direct flights. Senior citizen Kalpana Chavan stated, “A direct Pune-Prayagraj flight would be far more convenient for groups like ours, who cannot travel by train or bus.”

Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar echoed this sentiment, urging Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, who is also the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, to prioritize a direct air route. With soaring fares on connecting flights, a direct service would offer significant relief to devotees.

As the Maha Kumbh draws crowds from Pune and beyond, the demand for direct flights is louder than ever, underscoring the need for immediate government intervention.