Indian Aviation Ministry Takes Action Against High Airfares Amid Disruptions

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken decisive action to address the surge in airfares caused by ongoing flight disruptions. With concerns over opportunistic pricing, the ministry has mandated airlines to adhere to strict fare limits to protect travelers, especially vulnerable groups like seniors and students. Recent data shows a dramatic increase in airfares on major domestic routes, with some prices reaching unprecedented levels. This article explores the ministry's regulatory measures, current fare trends, and a comparative analysis of domestic versus international flight costs, shedding light on the challenges faced by travelers during this period.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 13:38 IST

Ministry's Response to Rising Airfares

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has expressed serious concerns regarding the unusually high airfares charged by certain airlines during the ongoing disruptions. To protect passengers from opportunistic pricing, the ministry has decided to utilize its regulatory powers to ensure fair and reasonable fares across all affected routes. An official directive has been issued to all airlines mandating strict adherence to the established fare limits, which will remain in effect until the situation stabilizes.

Ensuring Fair Pricing for Travelers

This directive aims to maintain pricing discipline in the market, prevent any exploitation of distressed travelers, and ensure that citizens who need to travel urgently—such as senior citizens, students, and patients—do not face financial hardships during this period. The ministry will continue to monitor fare levels closely through real-time data and active coordination with airlines and online travel platforms. Any deviations from the established criteria will prompt immediate corrective actions in the public interest.

Surge in Airfares Due to Flight Cancellations

Following widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo across India, there has been a significant spike in airfares on several major domestic routes, with prices reaching unprecedented levels as travelers seek alternatives. According to data from a popular booking website, there has been a notable increase in fares for routes from Delhi to major metros and state capitals, with prices for non-stop flights on the same day doubling compared to available rates for nearby dates.

Current Fare Trends

Booking data reveals that on December 6, the cheapest flight from Delhi to Bengaluru was priced at over ₹40,000, with some options exceeding ₹80,000. For travelers wishing to fly from Delhi to Mumbai on the same date, the minimum fare is ₹36,107, while the maximum can go beyond ₹56,000. For return journeys to the national capital, passengers will need to pay at least ₹23,000, with maximum fares exceeding ₹37,000. On the Delhi-Chennai route, last-minute fares have soared to between ₹62,000 and ₹82,000.

Comparative Fare Analysis

For passengers traveling from Delhi to Guwahati, the lowest fare was ₹23,998, while the highest reached ₹35,015. To put this into perspective, a flight from Delhi to Dubai on December 6 is expected to cost around ₹25,855, making international travel cheaper compared to domestic flights between two Indian cities. Similarly, a ticket from Bengaluru to Dubai is available for approximately ₹15,000. In comparison, a flight from Delhi to Bangkok will cost around ₹18,747.