In a significant move to protect passengers from opportunistic pricing during the ongoing IndiGo operational crisis, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has invoked its regulatory authority to impose strict pricing controls across affected air routes. The decision comes amid growing concerns over unusually high fares being charged by certain airlines, particularly on routes experiencing sudden demand surges.
MoCA Enforces Temporary Fare Caps to Maintain Market Discipline: Indigo
The Ministry has issued an official directive mandating that all airlines adhere to newly prescribed fare caps, which will remain in effect until full operational stability is restored.
This regulatory action aims to:
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Prevent exploitation of stranded or urgent travellers
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Ensure affordability for essential travel categories
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Maintain fair competition and fare discipline in the market
Officials emphasised that the fare caps are designed to safeguard passengers who may need to travel on short notice, particularly senior citizens, students, medical passengers, and those displaced due to cancellations.
Protecting Passengers From Opportunistic Pricing
MoCA stated that inflated fare spikes during disruptions amount to unfair market behaviour and cannot be allowed.
The Ministry clarified that airlines are expected to uphold ethical pricing standards, especially during crises when passengers are most vulnerable.
The directive underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that:
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Ticket prices remain reasonable and transparent
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No hidden fees or surge pricing mechanisms are implemented
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The aviation sector remains accessible to all segments of society
Real-Time Monitoring of Fares Across Platforms
To ensure compliance, MoCA has deployed a system of real-time airfare monitoring in coordination with:
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Airlines
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Online travel aggregators
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Airport management systems
This monitoring mechanism will track fare fluctuations across affected routes, allowing the Ministry to swiftly identify and act upon any deviations from prescribed fare levels.
Officials confirmed that immediate corrective action will be taken against airlines found violating the norms, reinforcing the Ministry’s firm stance against passenger exploitation.
Conclusion
The Ministry’s intervention marks a decisive step in regulating airfares during turbulence in airline operations. By imposing fare caps and strengthening oversight, MoCA aims to protect the public interest, ensure equitable travel access, and maintain stability in the aviation market.
As the situation evolves, the Ministry remains committed to continuous monitoring and swift enforcement to prevent any financial hardship for passengers relying on air travel during this period.
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Source: PIB
