IndiGo crisis: Centre sets cap on air ticket prices; Rs. 7500 for journeys up to 500 km

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has imposed temporary nationwide fare caps on all airlines following severe operational disruptions at IndiGo, which led to massive flight cancellations and skyrocketing ticket prices. An order has been issued with the new fares. Airlines have also been instructed to refund the ticket amount to those who have cancelled their tickets in the past few days by tomorrow evening.

The order states that a maximum of Rs 7,500 can be charged for a journey of up to 500 km, Rs 12,000 for a journey of up to 1,000 km, Rs 15,000 for a journey of up to 1,500 km and Rs 18,000 for a journey of more than 1,500 km.

Air India and Air India Express ticket prices rose above Rs 50,000 yesterday. Delhi-Kochi Air India Express ticket prices have increased to Rs 45,000. Delhi-Thiruvananthapuram Air India Express fares have increased to Rs 48,000. Similarly, ticket prices to other destinations have been increased by more than double. Passengers are hell hit hard due to high ticket prices.

The reason for IndiGo's current crisis is the shortage of employees. It is indicated that the shortage of pilots was caused by the implementation of new, stricter Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. Crew duty time is a rule that was introduced to allow more rest for pilots. It came into effect on November 1. The pilots' association alleges that the current crisis points to the failures of airlines in implementing the rule.

Over the past three days, around 550 flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have been cancelled. More than 100 flights have been delayed. Thousands of passengers have been stranded at airports. Passengers are also complaining that they were not informed in advance about the delay in IndiGo's flights.