Government slaps fare cap on airlines as IndiGo chaos sparks price hike
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Central Government has taken strict action against the airlines that are exploiting the crisis of Indigo Airlines and fleecing the passengers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation took a major decision on Saturday and fixed a 'fare cap' i.e. maximum fare limit on domestic airfares. The government has made it clear that now airline companies will not be able to increase fares as per their wish. The Ministry has warned that if any company violates the set limit during the ongoing disruption in Indigo's operations, strict action will be taken against it. The purpose of this decision is to maintain discipline in the market and to protect the passengers trapped in the crisis from financial exploitation.
According to official instructions issued by the ministry, this fare limit will remain in effect until air services are fully stabilized. The government emphasizes that citizens, senior citizens, students, and patients who urgently need to travel should not face financial hardship during this difficult time. To ensure compliance with this order, the ministry will monitor data from airlines and online travel platforms in real time. The government has clarified that companies turning disaster into opportunity will not be spared.
In addition to imposing fare controls, the government has also issued strict instructions to IndiGo Airlines. The ministry has mandated that passengers be refunded the full amount for tickets for canceled flights by 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Delays in refunds will result in regulatory action against the airline. Furthermore, affected passengers will not be charged any rescheduling fees if they change their travel dates or times. IndiGo has also been ordered to set up a special cell to assist passengers, which will operate until the situation returns to normal. Furthermore, passengers whose checked-in luggage was canceled will be required to have their luggage delivered to their home addresses by the airline.
It is worth noting that due to pilot shortage and operational problems, IndiGo cancelled over 1000 flights on Friday and the situation did not return to normal even on Saturday. Amidst this crisis, ticket prices of other airlines skyrocketed on Friday and Saturday. According to reports, SpiceJet's Kolkata-Mumbai economy ticket reached 90,000 rupees, and Air India's Mumbai-Bhubaneshwar ticket reached 84,000 rupees. Fares on some routes exceeding 1 lakh rupees created panic among passengers, forcing the government to take this drastic step.