CHENNAI: Since there’s a surge in the number of devotees flying to Kochi from Chennai to reach Sabarimala, it has led to a steep rise in fares.

Usually, most pilgrims travel by train, buses and private vehicles, however, long travel hours have pushed many to choose air travel. Additionally, the Airports Authority of India granted a special exemption allowing devotees to carry coconuts for Irumudi inside flights till January 20.

Due to the surge in demand, airfares on the Chennai-Kochi route have increased nearly three times. A ticket that normally costs around Rs 3,681 is now priced between Rs 10,500 and Rs 11,500 for direct flights. With direct flight tickets sold out, some passengers are forced to fly via Bangalore, where fares exceed Rs 17,000.

The situation is worsened by a reduction in services this year. During last year’s Sabarimala season, the route had 18 daily flights, nine arrivals and departures each in the route. This season, it’s only 14 flights, with only 7 in each direction, causing seat shortages and delays. Devotees lamented the difficulty in getting a flight as many were left stranded or forced to pay extra fares.

Passengers and devotees have urged the AAI and the airlines to increase the frequency till the pilgrimage season ends.