Government Caps Airfares as IndiGo Crisis Triggers Massive Surge in Ticket Prices
New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stepped in with strong regulatory measures after airfares surged to unprecedented levels across major routes due to IndiGo’s ongoing operational crisis. The ministry said on Saturday that it has invoked its powers to enforce fair pricing and has issued an official directive to all airlines to follow the newly prescribed fare caps until the situation stabilises.
According to the ministry, the sudden grounding of IndiGo aircraft led to an immediate shortage of domestic flight seats, causing last-minute ticket prices to soar across the country. Several major routes witnessed ticket prices far beyond normal ranges, prompting urgent government intervention.
On Friday, Delhi–Mumbai fares on Air India peaked at Rs 60,000. Chennai–Delhi tickets on Air India Express reached Rs 41,000, while SpiceJet quoted fares as high as Rs 69,000 on the same route. These extraordinary price spikes raised serious concerns among passengers and authorities.
The ministry said it is monitoring fare data in real time and coordinating closely with airlines and online travel platforms. It warned that any deviation from the prescribed fare caps will lead to immediate corrective action in the public interest. Officials emphasised that the fare control measures aim to prevent opportunistic pricing and ensure that passengers are not exploited during a period of disruption.
The government stressed that the objective is to protect travellers, especially those who urgently need to fly — including students, senior citizens, and patients. The ministry said it is committed to maintaining market stability and preventing financial hardship for citizens during the crisis.
As the airline’s operational issues entered the fifth day, IndiGo cancelled more than 400 domestic flights on Saturday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. With airports witnessing long queues and uncertainty, Indian Railways stepped in to ease the pressure by adding extra coaches to accommodate the increased passenger flow.
Officials said fare regulation will continue as long as required and that the ministry will ensure pricing remains fair until IndiGo restores full operational capacity. The crisis has become one of the most significant aviation disruptions of the year, prompting an urgent reassessment of market practices and emergency passenger protections.
Our Thoughts
The government’s decision to impose temporary fare caps comes at a crucial time when passengers were facing extreme financial stress due to the sudden spike in airfares. Aviation disruptions have always had a ripple effect on the travel ecosystem, but the scale of price escalation during the IndiGo crisis highlighted a deeper issue within the sector. When a large volume of flights is cancelled, the surge in demand often leads to sharp price increases — a trend that disproportionately affects individuals who travel for urgent reasons such as medical needs, exams, or family emergencies.
The ministry’s swift action signals a strong commitment to passenger welfare and market stability. It also highlights the need for airlines to maintain responsible pricing practices, especially during disruptions. The introduction of fare caps ensures temporary relief and prevents exploitation, but the long-term solution lies in building more resilient aviation operations and improving coordination among carriers.
The addition of extra coaches by Indian Railways shows how critical inter-sector cooperation becomes during national emergencies. As IndiGo works to restore full operations, transparency and consistent communication with passengers will be essential. The situation underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and a fair marketplace that prioritises citizens’ needs during unprecedented disruptions.