DGCA moves to prevent airfare spike in festive season, carriers to add over 1,700 flights

According to the ministry, the DGCA will “maintain rigorous oversight of airline fares and flight capacities to protect passengers’ interests during the festive season”.
Domestic airfares tend to see major spikes during the festive season in autumn, particularly around Diwali, as demand surges. Major routes to and from large metropolitan cities usually see a significant rush during the festival season as many head to their hometowns for festivities.

The DGCA is mandated by the Civil Aviation Ministry to keep a watch on airfares, especially during the festival season, and take appropriate measures in case of a surge in prices.

Airfares in India are deregulated and market-driven. But the government and the DGCA, from time to time, hold deliberations with airlines to keep fares affordable during high-demand seasons and disruptions.

“…the DGCA proactively took up the issue/matter with airlines and asked them to augment flight capacities for the festive season by deploying additional flights to meet high demand,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement.

In response, India’s largest airline, IndiGo, informed the regulator that it is adding around 730 additional flights across 42 sectors, while Tata group airlines Air India and Air India Express said they will cumulatively add 486 additional flights across 20 sectors. Budget carrier SpiceJet told DGCA that it would add 546 flights across 38 sectors.

The ministry did not specify the duration of the expanded schedule.

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