Govt announces maximum fares that airlines can charge amid IndiGo chaos
The Civil Aviation Ministry has taken a significant step 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 airlines will not be allowed to charge more than a certain maximum fare for flights, depending on the distance of the route.
According to the new guidelines, for flights with a distance of up to 500km, airlines can charge a maximum fare of ₹7,500. This will provide relief to passengers traveling on short-haul flights, who were often forced to pay high fares due to limited availability of seats. For flights with a distance between 500km and 1,000km, a maximum fare of ₹12,000 can be charged, while for flights with a distance between 1,000km and 1,500km, the maximum fare will be ₹15,000. For flights with a distance above 1,500km, the maximum fare that airlines can charge is ₹18,000.
This move is expected to bring relief to passengers who have been facing high airfares, especially during peak travel seasons. The government has been receiving complaints about surge pricing by airlines, which has made air travel unaffordable for many people. The new fare ceilings will ensure that airlines do not take advantage of passengers during times of high demand.
The decision to impose fare ceilings was taken after a review of the airfare pricing mechanism, which revealed that some airlines were charging exorbitant fares on certain routes. The government has been monitoring airfares closely and has been taking steps to ensure that they remain within reasonable limits. The imposition of fare ceilings is a temporary measure, and the government will review the situation after 15 days to decide whether to continue or modify the fare ceilings.
The move has been welcomed by passenger associations, who have been demanding action against surge pricing by airlines. “This is a welcome move by the government, which will provide relief to passengers who have been facing high airfares,” said a spokesperson for a passenger association. “We hope that the government will continue to monitor airfares and take action against airlines that try to exploit passengers.”
The airline industry has also responded to the government’s move, with some airlines expressing concerns about the impact of fare ceilings on their revenues. “We understand the need to regulate airfares, but we are concerned about the impact of fare ceilings on our revenues,” said a spokesperson for an airline. “We hope that the government will review the fare ceilings after 15 days and consider our concerns.”
The imposition of fare ceilings is not the only measure that the government has taken to regulate airfares. The government has also been working on a new airfare pricing mechanism, which will take into account various factors such as fuel prices, operating costs, and demand. The new mechanism is expected to be more transparent and will ensure that airfares remain reasonable.
In addition to regulating airfares, the government has also been taking steps to improve the overall air travel experience for passengers. The government has been working on upgrading airport infrastructure, improving security checks, and enhancing passenger amenities. The government has also been promoting competition in the airline industry, which has led to an increase in the number of flights and a decrease in airfares.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to impose fare ceilings is a welcome move that will provide relief to passengers who have been facing high airfares. The move is expected to regulate airfares and prevent airlines from exploiting passengers during times of high demand. The government’s efforts to regulate airfares and improve the air travel experience are commendable, and we hope that they will continue to take steps to ensure that air travel remains affordable and convenient for all.
News source: https://x.com/NDTVProfitIndia/status/1997255961241919681
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