The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is closely monitoring airfares and flight capacities to prevent steep ticket price hikes during the upcoming festive season.
While domestic airfares are deregulated, the DGCA keeps a watch on pricing trends and can intervene if fares surge excessively, especially on busy routes.
According to the civil aviation ministry, the DGCA has reviewed fare trends and instructed airlines to increase flight operations to meet the expected rise in demand. “DGCA will maintain strict oversight of airfares and flight capacities to safeguard passengers’ interests during the festive period,” the ministry said in a statement.
Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and SpiceJet, will operate additional services to accommodate festive travel demand. IndiGo will add about 730 flights across 42 routes, Air India and Air India Express together will add 486 flights across 20 sectors, while SpiceJet plans around 546 extra flights on 38 routes.
However, the ministry has not specified when these additional flights will begin or how long they will continue.