IndiGo Crisis: Government Steps In to Enforce Fair Airfares

New Delhi – The Ministry of Civil Aviation has invoked its regulatory powers to ensure fair and reasonable fares on all routes affected by IndiGo’s ongoing operational crisis.

An official directive mandates that all airlines strictly adhere to prescribed fare caps, which will remain in effect until the situation stabilizes. The ministry will monitor fares in real time and coordinate with airlines and online travel platforms, warning that any deviation will prompt immediate corrective action.

The move follows a surge in airfares due to IndiGo cancelling multiple domestic flights, creating a sudden shortage of seats. Delhi-Mumbai fares on Air India peaked at ?60,000 on Friday, while Chennai-Delhi tickets on Air India Express reached ?41,000, and SpiceJet quoted fares as high as ?69,000.

The government emphasized that the directive aims to maintain pricing discipline, prevent passenger exploitation, and ensure that those traveling urgently—including senior citizens, students, and patients—are not financially burdened during this disruption.

On Saturday, IndiGo cancelled over 400 domestic flights, marking the fifth day of the crisis. Indian Railways responded by adding extra coaches to accommodate the surge of passengers.

With inputs from IANS