Govt announces maximum fares that airlines can charge amid IndiGo chaos
The Civil Aviation Ministry has stepped in to regulate airfares in the country, imposing temporary fare ceilings across routes to curb surge pricing. This move comes after the recent mass flight cancellations by IndiGo, which left thousands of passengers stranded and facing exorbitant fares on other flights. The ministry has announced that for flights up to 500km distance, airlines can charge a maximum fare of ₹7,500. For flights with distance between 500km and 1,000km, a maximum fare of ₹12,000 can be charged, while for flights above 1,500km, a maximum of ₹18,000 can be charged.
This decision is a welcome relief for air travelers, who have been facing skyrocketing fares in recent times. The sudden cancellation of flights by IndiGo had led to a shortage of seats, resulting in fares increasing manifold. Passengers were being forced to pay exorbitant amounts, with some fares even crossing the ₹50,000 mark for a one-way ticket. The government’s intervention is expected to bring some semblance of order to the industry and provide relief to passengers.
The fare ceilings will be in place for the next few weeks, until the situation returns to normal. The ministry has also directed airlines to operate additional flights to cater to the increased demand. This move is expected to increase the availability of seats, which in turn will help to bring down fares. Airlines have also been asked to ensure that they are not indulging in unfair pricing practices, and that they are transparent about their pricing policies.
The decision to impose fare ceilings has been welcomed by passenger associations, who have been lobbying for such a move for a long time. “This is a great move by the government,” said a spokesperson for the Passenger Association of India. “Air travel is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for many people. The exorbitant fares being charged by airlines were making it difficult for people to travel. We hope that this move will bring some relief to passengers and make air travel more affordable.”
The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the high airfares. “The high airfares were making it difficult for tourists to travel to India,” said a spokesperson for the Indian Tourism Association. “This move will make it easier for tourists to travel to India, which will have a positive impact on our industry.”
However, airlines have expressed concerns about the fare ceilings, saying that they will affect their profitability. “We understand the need to regulate fares, but we also need to ensure that we are able to operate profitably,” said a spokesperson for an airline. “The fare ceilings will affect our revenue, and we may have to cut back on some of our services.”
Despite the concerns expressed by airlines, the government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take further action if necessary. “We will continue to monitor the situation and take action as needed,” said a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Ministry. “Our primary concern is the welfare of passengers, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they are not exploited by airlines.”
In conclusion, the government’s decision to impose fare ceilings on airlines is a welcome move that will provide relief to air travelers. The move is expected to bring some semblance of order to the industry and make air travel more affordable. While airlines may express concerns about the fare ceilings, the government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take further action if necessary. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear – the government is committed to ensuring that air travel is affordable and accessible to all.
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News Source: https://x.com/NDTVProfitIndia/status/1997255961241919681
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