Indian Government Caps Domestic Airfares to Ensure Accessibility

The Indian government has implemented upper limits on domestic airfares to mitigate sudden price surges and enhance passenger accessibility. On Saturday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced this decision as a response to recent issues of last-minute fare hikes and operational disruptions that have affected travelers during the peak festive season.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Muralidhar Mohol, explained that the new fare caps aim to prevent airlines from imposing arbitrary increases in ticket prices. “Airlines often cancel flights at the last minute, and during festivals and holidays, ticket prices rise indiscriminately. To prevent financial loss to passengers and ensure that air travel remains accessible, the ministry has decided to impose limits on fares,” he stated.

The maximum fare caps will apply to flight distances ranging from 500 km to over 1,500 km. This initiative comes in light of recent reports from passengers in cities such as Pune and Nagpur, who faced significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and extended wait times without updates. The situation prompted a wave of criticism on social media, urging government intervention.

In response to these challenges, Pune Airport authorities confirmed they are closely monitoring compliance with the new fare regulations. They have also deployed additional passenger assistance teams to enhance support at terminals and have increased coordination with airlines to prevent operational failures. Authorities emphasized that airlines must display both base fares and capped prices on booking platforms to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been tasked with conducting random checks on high-demand routes, particularly leading up to the busy Christmas and New Year travel periods. These measures are designed to stabilize the aviation system and restore passenger confidence as demand surges.

On the operational front, IndiGo Airline faced challenges this past Saturday, reporting 69 cancellations with 34 arrivals and 35 departures affected. The civil aviation ministry is expected to release detailed sector-wise fare bands early next week, which airlines will be required to comply with immediately once the notification is formalized.

As the winter holiday season approaches, the government’s measures to cap airfares are aimed at ensuring that air travel remains affordable and accessible for all passengers. The focus on passenger interest and safety underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining service quality during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.