The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has called upon all airlines to establish a self-monitoring mechanism to ensure fair pricing for air travel.
This initiative comes in response to recent cases of unjustified increases in air fares.
Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, held a meeting with the Airlines Consultative Group on Monday
The agenda was to discuss the issue and express his concerns regarding abnormal fare hikes on certain routes.
He urged airlines to actively monitor fares on specific routes that have experienced significant price surges.
Escalating Fare related Complaints
Following the meeting, a ministry official revealed that the government has been inundated with numerous complaints about exorbitant air fares,
particularly on routes previously served by the now-defunct Go-First airline. During the peak summer season,
popular tourist sectors like Delhi-Leh and Srinagar witness return air fares reaching nearly Rs 50,000.
Minister Scindia also highlighted the recent Odisha train accident during the meeting, which prompted complaints about unjustified fare hikes on major air routes in southern states.
DGCA to Oversee Monitoring Efforts
In response to the concerns raised, the ministry emphasized the need for airlines to develop a fair pricing mechanism.
It has to be done within the higher RBD (Reservation Booking Designator) category, which will be closely monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Additionally, given the humanitarian aspects associated with any disaster, strict vigilance is required in regulating air ticket prices.
It is crucial to note that the airfare market operates under the deregulated framework of the country’s airline sector,
with pricing structured across various tiers or reservation booking designers.
By taking proactive measures, the government aims to ensure transparency and fair pricing for air travel, promoting accessibility and affordability for passengers across the country
