Hundreds of flights have been affected due to the IndiGo crisis. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry has taken a major step after many airlines significantly increased air fares. The ministry has imposed a cap on fares on all affected routes to prevent airlines from charging arbitrary or opportunistic prices. The Civil Aviation Ministry has also directed IndiGo to process all pending passenger refunds without any delay. Due to operational glitches, many IndiGo flights have been canceled or delayed. This has increased passenger demand, and some airlines have started charging very high fares on many routes. The Civil Aviation Ministry took notice of this and immediately intervened.
The Ministry has clearly stated that charging arbitrary or opportunistic fare from passengers will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Using its regulatory powers, the ministry has set a cap on fares on all affected routes. Under this, airlines will not be allowed to charge fares more than the prescribed maximum limit.
The ministry has issued official instructions to all airlines in this regard. The order states that airlines will have to strictly adhere to the fixed fare limits without any exceptions. The Ministry has made it clear that this fare limit will remain in force until the situation becomes completely normal.
MoCA says the move is aimed at maintaining price discipline in the market, preventing exploitation of stranded passengers and providing relief to citizens who need to travel urgently, such as senior citizens, students and patients. The ministry said that excessive fare burden cannot be imposed on these groups.
The Civil Aviation Ministry is monitoring the fares based on real-time data. Further, constant coordination is being maintained with airlines and online travel platforms to take immediate action against any irregularities. The ministry has warned that immediate corrective action will be taken in case of any deviation from the set standards.