Govt announces maximum fares that airlines can charge amid IndiGo chaos
The Indian government has stepped in to regulate airfare prices amid the chaos caused by mass flight cancellations by IndiGo, one of the country’s largest airlines. The Civil Aviation Ministry has imposed temporary fare ceilings across routes to curb surge pricing, providing much-needed relief to passengers who have been affected by the sudden cancellations.
According to the new guidelines, airlines will not be allowed to charge more than a certain amount for flights, depending on the distance of the route. For flights up to 500km distance, airlines can charge a maximum fare of ₹7,500. This will apply to short-haul flights that connect nearby cities, providing an affordable option for passengers who need to travel short distances.
For flights with a distance between 500km and 1,000km, a maximum fare of ₹12,000 can be charged. This will apply to medium-haul flights that connect cities within a region, such as flights from Delhi to Mumbai or Bengaluru to Chennai. This fare ceiling will help prevent airlines from taking advantage of passengers who are stranded due to cancellations and are desperate to reach their destinations.
For flights above 1,500km, the maximum fare that can be charged is ₹18,000. This will apply to long-haul flights that connect cities across the country, such as flights from Delhi to Chennai or Mumbai to Kolkata. This fare ceiling will help prevent airlines from charging exorbitant prices for flights that cover long distances, providing relief to passengers who are traveling across the country.
The decision to impose fare ceilings comes after IndiGo, one of the largest airlines in India, canceled hundreds of flights due to a shortage of pilots. The cancellations caused chaos at airports, with passengers stranded and forced to look for alternative flights. Many airlines took advantage of the situation, hiking their fares to exorbitant levels and leaving passengers with no choice but to pay the high prices.
The government’s decision to regulate airfare prices is a welcome move, as it will help prevent airlines from taking advantage of passengers during times of crisis. The fare ceilings will provide relief to passengers who are affected by the cancellations and are struggling to find affordable flights.
The move is also expected to increase competition among airlines, as they will be forced to operate within the fare ceilings. This could lead to a reduction in airfare prices, making air travel more affordable for passengers. The government’s decision is a step in the right direction, as it will help promote fair competition among airlines and prevent them from exploiting passengers.
The imposition of fare ceilings is not a new phenomenon in India. In the past, the government has imposed fare ceilings during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or major events. However, this is the first time that the government has imposed fare ceilings due to a crisis caused by an airline.
The decision to impose fare ceilings has been welcomed by passenger associations, who have been advocating for regulation of airfare prices for a long time. The associations have argued that airlines have been taking advantage of passengers, charging exorbitant prices during times of high demand. The fare ceilings will help prevent such practices and promote fair competition among airlines.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to impose fare ceilings is a welcome move, as it will help regulate airfare prices and prevent airlines from taking advantage of passengers. The fare ceilings will provide relief to passengers who are affected by the cancellations and are struggling to find affordable flights. The move is expected to increase competition among airlines, leading to a reduction in airfare prices and making air travel more affordable for passengers.
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