New Delhi, Dec 6: Civil Aviation Ministry takes decisive action against skyrocketing ticket prices triggered by IndiGo’s five-day cancellation spree affecting hundreds of flights nationwide.
IndiGo, India’s dominant carrier handling over 60% of domestic traffic, grapples with severe crew shortages stemming from pilot rostering errors and Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) violations, leading to widespread disruptions since December 2. Fewer available flights have driven airfares to unprecedented levels on key routes including Delhi-Mumbai, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, and Jammu-Srinagar, stranding thousands of passengers daily.
Invoking emergency regulatory powers under the DGCA framework, the ministry mandates immediate airfare ceilings on all impacted sectors to protect consumers from exploitative pricing. Airlines face strict compliance orders, with the caps remaining enforced until operational normalcy returns, potentially extending beyond mid-December as IndiGo targets full recovery by December 10-15.
Additional directives compel IndiGo to process full refunds within 24 hours, provide hotel accommodations and meals for affected travelers, and expedite delivery of misplaced luggage. A high-level inquiry probes the root causes, including systemic rostering failures, while the government monitors competitors like Air India and SpiceJet to prevent opportunistic fare hikes.
Passengers report chaos at major airports, with J&K routes hit hardest—over 40 cancellations stranding locals amid winter travel demands. Ministry assures stabilization soon but warns of penalties for non-compliance, emphasizing passenger rights amid the airline’s turmoil.
