As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 approaches, planning your journey to Prayagraj from London requires careful consideration of flight routes, airlines, and deals. This sacred event attracts millions of pilgrims worldwide, and securing the best travel options ensures a smooth and affordable journey.
The most common way to travel from London to Prayagraj is by connecting through major Indian hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, or Dubai. Leading airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, and Air India, offer convenient flight options. British Airways and Air India provide direct routes to Delhi or Mumbai, with seamless connections to Prayagraj via domestic carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet. Alternatively, Emirates offers a route via Dubai, which is known for its exceptional service and comfortable flight experience.
Akasa Air ‘special’ Maha Kumbh flight schedule
These Akasa Air flights between January 27 and February 28, 2025, will connect Prayagraj via Delhi on a daily basis.
| Flt. Number | From City (Airport) | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Via | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Flt. Number | To City (Airport) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QP 1807 | Pune | 07:30 hrs | 09:45 hrs | Delhi | 10:50hrs | 12:15 hrs | QP 1807 | Prayagraj | Daily |
| QP 1808 | Prayagraj | 12:50 hrs | 14:20 hrs | Delhi | 15:00hrs | 17:15 hrs | QP 1808 | Pune | Daily |
| QP 1405 | Hyderabad | 05:50 hrs | 08:10 hrs | Delhi | 10:50hrs | 12:15 hrs | QP 1807 | Prayagraj | Daily |
| QP 1808 | Prayagraj | 12:50 hrs | 14:20 hrs | Delhi | 20:50hrs | 23:05 hrs | QP 1409 | Hyderabad | Daily |
| QP 1359 | Bengaluru | 05:00 hrs | 07:50 hrs | Delhi | 10:50hrs | 12:15 hrs | QP 1807 | Prayagraj | Daily |
| QP 1145 | Ahmedabad | 05:40 hrs | 07:20 hrs | Delhi | 10:50hrs | 12:15 hrs | QP 1807 | Prayagraj | Daily |
| QP 1808 | Prayagraj | 12:50 hrs | 14:20 hrs | Delhi | 18:40hrs | 20:20 hrs | QP 1334 | Ahmedabad | Daily |
| QP 1808 | Prayagraj | 12:50 hrs | 14:20 hrs | Delhi | 19:45hrs | 22:30 hrs |
Layovers are a crucial aspect of planning your flight. Delhi and Mumbai are the most popular stopover cities, with layovers typically ranging from 3 to 6 hours. If you opt for a flight via Dubai, expect a slightly shorter layover. For a smoother transition, aim for layovers of at least 3-4 hours, allowing ample time for immigration and check-ins.
For those on a budget, early bookings can fetch deals starting from £400-£500. Keep an eye out for offers from British Airways and Air India, especially during the months leading up to Maha Kumbh 2025. Additionally, compare airlines on platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find the most affordable tickets. Keep an eye on seasonal promotions to save even more. With proper planning, your journey to Maha Kumbh 2025 will be both affordable and comfortable.
Akasa Air Maha Kumbh schedule
Between January 28 and February 26, 2025, Akasa Air will operate direct flights connecting Prayagraj with Ahmedabad (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and Bengaluru (daily with varying frequencies).
| Flight number | From City (Airport) | Departure Time | Arrival Time | To City (Airport) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 28 to February 26, 2025 (Direct) | |||||
| QP 1852 | Ahmedabad | 10:50 hrs | 12:30 hrs | Prayagraj | Tue, Wed |
| QP 1853 | Prayagraj | 13:10 hrs | 15:00 hrs | Ahmedabad | Tue, Wed |
| QP 1852 | Ahmedabad | 10:35 hrs | 12:20 hrs | Prayagraj | Tue, Wed |
| QP 1853 | Prayagraj | 12:55 hrs | 14:45 hrs | Ahmedabad | Tue, Wed |
| February 15 to 25, 2025 (Direct) | |||||
| QP 1494 | Ahmedabad | 14:50 hrs | 16:55 hrs | Prayagraj | Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| QP 1412 | Bengaluru | 08:40 hrs | 11:10 hrs | Prayagraj | Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| QP 1412 | Bengaluru | 14:30 hrs | 17:00 hrs | Prayagraj | Wednesday |
| QP 1493 | Prayagraj | 11:50 hrs | 13:50 hrs | Ahmedabad | Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| QP 1413 | Prayagraj | 17:35 hrs | 20:05 hrs | Bengaluru | Daily |
Best Airlines Offering London to Prayagraj Flights
When travelling from London to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025, several top airlines offer convenient flight routes with excellent services, comfort, and reliability. Here’s a detailed comparison of the best airlines to consider:
1. British Airways
# Routes: Direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM), with a connecting flight to Prayagraj.
# Services: Renowned for its exceptional in-flight service, offering a comfortable economy-class experience with complimentary meals and entertainment. Premium services are available for those flying business class.
# Reliability: British Airways has a reputation for punctuality and excellent customer service. Flights are frequent and usually on time.
# Comfort: Modern aircraft with ample legroom in both economy and business classes. Known for well-maintained cabins and spacious seating.
2. Air India
# Routes: Offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Delhi and Mumbai, followed by domestic connections to Prayagraj via Air India or partner airlines.
# Services: Air India provides excellent service, with a strong emphasis on Indian hospitality. In-flight meals include Indian and international options, and entertainment is available.
# Reliability: Air India is known for its punctuality, though delays can occasionally happen. The airline is a good choice for those wanting a direct connection to India.
# Comfort: Air India boasts wide, comfortable seats in economy and premium cabins. Its long-haul flights feature additional amenities such as blankets and pillows.
3. Emirates
# Routes: Fly from London Heathrow to Dubai (DXB), then take a connecting flight to Prayagraj, either via Dubai or domestic routes.
# Services: Emirates is known for its luxurious in-flight services, including a wide range of entertainment options, gourmet meals, and attentive service. Their first-class and business-class cabins are highly rated.
# Reliability: Emirates is consistently one of the most reliable airlines, with a strong reputation for on-time performance and quality customer care.
# Comfort: Known for its superior comfort, Emirates’ aircraft offer spacious seating, excellent legroom, and state-of-the-art amenities, making long journeys pleasant.
Flight Routes, Popular Stopovers, and Layover Times
When flying from London to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025, you’ll likely experience a layover in one of India’s major hubs or a Middle Eastern city. The key flight routes, stopovers, and layover times can greatly influence your overall travel experience.
1. London to Prayagraj via Delhi
# Popular Airlines: British Airways, Air India, Emirates.
# Layover Time: Most flights from London to Delhi have a layover of 3–6 hours before you can catch a domestic flight to Prayagraj. Opt for flights with a layover of at least 3 hours to allow for immigration, baggage collection, and check-in for your domestic flight.
# Optimising Layover: Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is well-equipped with lounges, dining options, and shopping areas. If you have a longer layover, the Plaza Premium Lounge offers a relaxing space to unwind.
2. London to Prayagraj via Mumbai
# Popular Airlines: British Airways, Air India.
# Layover Time: Flights from London to Mumbai generally involve a 3–5-hour layover. This allows enough time to clear customs and catch your connecting flight to Prayagraj.
# Optimising Layover: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport offers lounges for Business Class passengers and several dining options to make the wait comfortable. Aim for a layover of at least 4 hours, especially if you’re switching terminals.
3. London to Prayagraj via Dubai, Mumbai/Delhi
# Popular Airlines: Emirates.
# Layover Time: Layovers in Dubai International Airport range from 2 to 4 hours. The airport’s efficient transit system ensures you can easily make your connecting flight to India. Second layover in India is either in Delhi or Mumbai. Travellers can catch a domestic flight to Prayagraj after a gap of 5-6 hours.
# Optimising Layover: Dubai Airport is known for its luxury lounges and world-class shopping. If your layover is longer than 4 hours, Emirates’ Business Class lounge provides excellent relaxation options.
Connecting Flights from Major Indian Cities to Prayagraj
Travelling from Delhi or Mumbai to Prayagraj by air offers convenient domestic flight options, particularly with leading carriers such as IndiGo, Go First, SpiceJet, Air India, and Vistara. These airlines provide regular, reliable services, connecting major Indian hubs to Prayagraj Airport (IXD).
1. IndiGo
IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost airline, operates frequent flights from both Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) to Prayagraj (IXD). Known for its affordability, IndiGo is an ideal option for budget-conscious travellers. It offers efficient services with short travel times, usually around 1 hour 30 minutes from Delhi and 2 hours from Mumbai. Despite being a low-cost carrier, it ensures comfort and punctuality, making it a popular choice for domestic travel.
2. Vistara
Vistara, a premium full-service airline, also offers flights between Delhi and Prayagraj. While slightly more expensive than low-cost carriers, Vistara ensures a superior flying experience with added benefits such as complimentary meals, spacious seating, and a refined in-flight experience. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a more comfortable and premium journey. The Delhi to Prayagraj route is well-covered by Vistara, but direct flights from Mumbai may require a connection via Delhi.
3. Air India
Air India offers convenient flight options to Prayagraj Airport (IXD) from key Indian cities. Travellers can easily access Prayagraj via connecting flights from major hubs like Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). With multiple daily departures, Air India provides reliable services and comfortable seating. The typical journey time from Delhi is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, while flights from Mumbai may vary slightly longer, often requiring a layover in Delhi. This makes Air India a practical choice for pilgrims and tourists.
4. SpiceJet
SpiceJet provides accessible flight options to Prayagraj Airport (IXD) from key Indian cities. Primarily connecting through Delhi (DEL), SpiceJet offers convenient domestic routes that cater to both leisure and business travellers. With a focus on affordability, SpiceJet typically features multiple daily flights, ensuring flexibility in scheduling. The journey from Delhi to Prayagraj usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This makes SpiceJet a popular choice for those attending significant events, including the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Key Domestic Airports
1. Prayagraj Airport (IXD)
Prayagraj Airport (IXD), also known as Bamrauli Airport, is a small domestic airport serving Prayagraj and nearby regions. Located about 12 km from the city centre, it provides limited but essential connectivity to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru through airlines such as IndiGo and Air India. The airport features a single terminal with basic facilities like check-in counters, waiting areas, and refreshments. While not as large as neighbouring airports, it is the most convenient option for travellers heading directly to Prayagraj. Its proximity to the city makes it an ideal choice for visitors attending the Maha Kumbh 2025.
2. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), located about 12 km from Lucknow city centre, is a major international airport in Uttar Pradesh. It connects travellers to domestic cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, and international destinations including Dubai and Jeddah. With modern amenities like lounges, dining outlets, and shopping options, it ensures a comfortable transit experience. For those attending Maha Kumbh 2025, LKO is approximately 200 km from Prayagraj, accessible via well-connected highways and train services. Its extensive flight network makes it a reliable alternative for international and domestic pilgrims heading to Prayagraj for the spiritual festival.
3. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), Varanasi
Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS), located in Babatpur, is approximately 26 km from Varanasi city centre and 120 km from Prayagraj. It is a well-equipped international airport with flights connecting major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, as well as international destinations such as Bangkok, Sharjah, and Colombo. The airport features modern amenities, including lounges, dining options, and duty-free shopping. With multiple daily domestic and international flights, it serves as a key travel hub for pilgrims visiting Maha Kumbh 2025. Convenient road and rail links make it an ideal alternative for reaching Prayagraj.
4. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is a newly developed airport aimed at boosting connectivity to this spiritual city. Set to become operational in late 2024, the airport will cater to both domestic and international travellers. It is strategically significant for the region, offering modern facilities such as lounges, retail outlets, and dining options. Approximately 165 km from Prayagraj, it provides an additional route for pilgrims attending Maha Kumbh 2025. With direct connections to major Indian cities and plans for international flights, AYJ promises to be a key hub for tourism and religious travel in Uttar Pradesh.
Tips for Booking Flights and How to Search Top Deals for Maha Kumbh 2025
Here are some insights into securing early bird deals, understanding ticket prices, and finding the best value flights for your Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 pilgrimage:
1. Flexible Travel Dates
# Off-Peak Travel: If your schedule allows, consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak times. Flights tend to be cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
# Avoid Peak Times: Prices often spike during major festivals and events. Plan your travel around the less busy days of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
2. Book Early
# Early Bird Discounts: Many airlines offer discounts for bookings made several months in advance. Aim to book your flights at least 3-6 months before the event to take advantage of these deals.
# Set Price Alerts: Use flight comparison websites to set alerts for price changes on your preferred routes. This way, you can monitor fare fluctuations and book when prices drop.
3. Compare Airlines
# Use Comparison Websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to compare fares across different airlines and identify the best deals.
# Consider Budget Airlines: While full-service airlines offer comfort, budget carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet often provide more economical options for domestic flights.
4. Look for Package Deals
# Flight + Hotel Packages: Consider booking your flight alongside accommodation to save money. Many travel agencies offer attractive package deals, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Join Loyalty Programs
# Frequent Flyer Miles: Enrol in airlines’ loyalty programs to accumulate points for discounts on future flights or upgrades, enhancing your travel experience.
By following these strategies, you can maximise your chances of finding the best value flights for your pilgrimage to Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
Travel Essentials for Maha Kumbh 2025
1. Visa Requirements
# Visa for India: Ensure you have a valid visa to enter India. Most international travellers will require an e-Visa, which can be applied for online and is valid for 60 days.
# Check Validity: Confirm that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in India to avoid any travel issues.
2. Baggage Policies
# Know the Baggage Allowance: Check your airline’s baggage policies for both international and domestic flights. Most airlines allow 23 kg for checked baggage and 7 kg for cabin baggage.
# Pack Wisely: Consider the essentials you’ll need during the Kumbh Mela, such as comfortable clothing, personal hygiene products, and a reusable water bottle.
3. Travel Insurance
# Purchase Travel Insurance: Opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of belongings. This provides peace of mind during your pilgrimage.
# Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy, including your insurance provider, local hospitals, and your country’s embassy.
4. Health and Safety
# Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations for travel to India. Common suggestions include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus.
# Medication: Bring any personal medications, along with a prescription copy. It’s wise to pack a basic first aid kit for minor ailments.
5. Cultural Considerations
# Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions, particularly during religious events. Understanding cultural norms will enhance your experience.
Preparing for the Maha Kumbh 2025 pilgrimage with these essentials will ensure a smooth and memorable journey.
6. Local Currency and Payment Options
# Currency Exchange: Familiarise yourself with the local currency (Indian Rupee) and consider exchanging some money before your arrival. ATMs are widely available in cities.
# Cash and Cards: While credit and debit cards are accepted in many places, keep cash handy for local transactions and smaller vendors, especially in remote areas.
Important Link: Akasa Air Maha Kumbh
