Central government sets cap on domestic airfares; new rates to stay until crisis ends

NEW DELHI: After widespread public outrage over the steep hike in domestic airfares following mass cancellations by IndiGo, the central government has stepped in to curb what it called “exploitation” under the guise of flexi fares. The Civil Aviation Ministry has now fixed maximum ticket prices. These limits will remain in place until the crisis eases.

Under the new rules, the government has set strict caps on domestic airfares. Tickets for journeys up to 500 km cannot cost more than Rs 7,500, while those for 500–1000 km are limited to Rs 12,000. For distances between 1000 and 1500 km, the ceiling is Rs 15,000, and for routes longer than 1500 km, fares must not exceed Rs 18,000.

These limits do not include taxes, passenger service fees, and user development fees, and they do not apply to business class or UDAN flights. The decision comes after airfares skyrocketed in recent days, with some tickets reaching as high as Rs 1 lakh. On Monday, for example, a Kolkata–Mumbai economy ticket on SpiceJet was selling for Rs 90,000.

Meanwhile, IndiGo cancelled 850 flights yesterday. The airline cited a shortage of pilots and staff, along with technical issues. Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation. Following this, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers to resolve the crisis urgently. The CEO has requested 10 days to fully restore operations. The Centre has directed that all refunds must be issued by 8 p.m. today. Stranded baggage must also be returned as quickly as possible.

Thiruvananthapuram–Delhi won’t exceed Rs 18,000

• The distance from Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram is 2,200 km.
• Under the new rules, economy fares cannot exceed Rs 18,000.

Notice to IndiGo

• DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to the IndiGo CEO.
• The airline must respond within 24 hours.
• The Centre is considering imposing heavy penalties on IndiGo.
• The government has indicated that the CEO may need to be removed.
• Officials responsible for the crisis may also face removal.

Another day of hardship
Many passengers, including those with serious medical conditions, remained stranded at airports yesterday. Children were seen crying in several terminals. Passengers complained they lacked water, food, and proper seating. Help desks were unmanned. Large numbers of Sabarimala pilgrims were also stuck due to cancellations.