AIRFARE CAPS
Beyond Big Four: Indian students are dumping default study abroad settings
Indian students are diversifying study abroad destinations beyond the US, UK, Canada, and Australia due to stricter visa rules, rising costs, and uncertain job prospects. Countries like Ireland, New Zealand, and parts of Europe are gaining traction as students adopt a more calculated approach to their international education decisions.
West Asia conflict disrupts travel plans: How to claim flight and hotel refunds and avoid booking losses
As the West Asia crisis cuts into vacation plans and budgets, there’s still time to reschedule your trip and claim refunds.
Domestic airfares set to rise this summer as flight numbers drop
Domestic airfares are set to rise this summer as airlines reduce weekly flights by 12% and fare caps are removed. A significant increase in aviation turbine fuel prices from April 1 is anticipated, driving up operating costs and ticket prices. Passengers are advised to book early due to expected higher costs.
ICRA revises aviation outlook to Negative amid West Asia tensions, weak rupee, fuel costs
India's aviation sector faces a negative outlook. Geopolitical tensions, a weaker rupee, and higher fuel costs are increasing pressure on airlines. Domestic passenger traffic growth is expected to be slow. International traffic for Indian carriers is projected to grow. Airlines may increase ticket prices. The industry anticipates significant net losses in FY2026.
Need more time to examine unpredictable airfares, Govt tells SC
The government has requested additional time from the Supreme Court to address fluctuating airfares. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has impacted aviation fuel prices and flight operations. The court is examining the issue of unpredictable ticket prices and additional airline charges. This follows a Public Interest Litigation seeking regulatory guidelines.
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Don't buy HDFC Bank yet, but don't sell it either. Nischal Maheshwari on what the smart investor is doing
Market expert Nischal Maheshwari advises patience amidst geopolitical and corporate governance concerns, highlighting HDFC Bank's attractive valuation but urging caution. He sees long-term gains for L&T from Middle East reconstruction and believes IndiGo's stock reflects most of its headwinds. Maheshwari also favors established distributors for GLP-1 drugs and larger players in the microfinance sector.

DGCA releases summer flights schedule for Indian domestic carriers; in effect from March 29
Domestic flight schedules are now available for travel from March 29th to October 24th. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has removed temporary price limits on domestic airfares. This change allows airlines to set ticket prices based on market demand. Airlines are urged to maintain reasonable and transparent fares. The Ministry will monitor airfare trends closely.

Govt revokes fare price caps imposed on airlines as Iran war disrupts operations
India will remove airfare caps on domestic flights from March 23. This decision follows warnings from Indian airlines about financial stress due to rising fuel costs and operational disruptions. Fare restrictions were unsustainable for carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. The government had imposed these caps in December. The removal aims to support airline viability amidst ongoing challenges.

Free seat mandate will force sharp hike in Fares: Airlines
Airlines in India are pushing back against a government order for free seat selection. They warn this will force ticket price hikes, hurting passengers. The Federation of Indian Airlines states this move will increase costs for all travelers. They cite a court ruling and government statements supporting market-driven fares.

Indian airlines seek fare cap removal as Iran crisis hits operations
Airlines in India are facing financial strain. The Federation of Indian Airlines has warned the government about potential route cuts and delayed expansion plans. This comes after fare caps were imposed in December. Rising jet fuel prices and longer flight paths are also impacting revenue. The group is urging the government to remove these caps to ensure the industry's viability.

Up, up airline capacity & be away
India’s regulation of international flight capacities is being tested as airfare climbs higher. In order to cater to surging passenger demand, Indian airlines are in urgent need of more aircraft and personnel. These carriers are grappling with elevated fuel prices and taxation issues, making profitability a challenge.

Aviation ministry actively considering issues related to surge in airfares during festivals: Centre
The Indian government is actively considering new rules for air ticket prices. The Supreme Court has called the issue of unpredictable airfare hikes serious. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is deliberating on the matter. The court has given the Centre four weeks to conclude its discussions. This follows concerns about airlines exploiting passengers with sudden price increases, especially during festivals.

Govt has powers to cap airfares but it is not single-way solution: Aviation Minister Naidu
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated the government has powers to cap airfares in extraordinary circumstances but it's not a sole solution. He highlighted discussions to manufacture aircraft in India to address non-availability and supply chain issues, while emphasizing deregulation's role in sector growth.

Amid widespread aviation disruptions, Air India Group rolls out 'proactive' measures for passengers
Air India and Air India Express have implemented proactive measures to assist stranded travelers, including capping economy-class airfares on domestic flights and waiving change or cancellation fees for eligible bookings made until December 4 and December 15. This one-time waiver is valid for changes or cancellations made until December 8, 2025, with fare differences applicable for rescheduling.

AI, AI Express look to add capacity amid IndiGo flight disruptions
Air India Group is stepping in to help passengers facing IndiGo flight disruptions. Both Air India and Air India Express are adding flights and capping economy class fares. This move aims to ensure travelers and their baggage reach destinations quickly. The government has also announced airfare caps amid the ongoing issues.

Manipur gets relief: Centre approves two new flights, airfare capped at ₹6,000 on Imphal–Guwahati route
Manipur's air connectivity concerns have been addressed with the approval of two new daily flights and Air India Express capping Imphal-Guwahati fares at Rs 6,000. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal to the Centre highlighted the adverse impact of reduced flights and lack of rail connectivity on the state's mobility.

Better flying means no airfare caps
India's government had enforced limits on airfares during the pandemic lockdowns to prevent a price war in the aviation industry. The controls were put in place due to the market's inability to set fares at the time. However, the caps were withdrawn less than a year ago as domestic and international travel resumed. The reintroduction of airfare caps would hurt the sector as the market currently has the capacity to price in capacity shortages.

Mixed airfare trends after cap removal; air passenger traffic on rise: Experts
The country's largest airline IndiGo said the removal of airfare caps will give an opportunity to offer dynamic pricing and that there has been a consistent increase in the number of passengers over the last 5-6 months.

Removal of airfare caps will help in offering discounted ticket prices: IndiGo
The country's largest carrier IndiGo on Wednesday said the removal of airfare caps will help airlines to increase their passenger load factors by offering discounted fares.

No caps on domestic airfares from today; here's what it means for flyers
The Indian government has removed price caps on domestic airfares with effect from August 31, 2022 after a span of approximately 27 months. The ministry had imposed lower and upper limits on domestic airfares based on flight durations when services were resumed on May 25, 2020 after a two-month lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airfare cap, capacity to remain unchanged till May 31
Till recently, the Centre had expanded the airfare cap by increasing the lower and upper limit.These fare bands came into force with effect from May 21, 2020.

UDAN: Airfares to be revised every three months
While airfares would be linked to inflation, viability gap funding would depend on inflation, cost of aviation turbine fuel and the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

Airlines don't charge passengers arbitrarily: DGCA to Delhi High Court
The regulator's response came in the backdrop of a notice issued to it by the court seeking its stand regarding the claims made in the plea.

High Court seeks government's reply on plea seeking capping of airfares
The counsel for the central government submitted before the court that airfares was beyond the control of the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

HC seeks govt's reply on plea seeking capping of airfares
The PIL has urged the court to direct the authorities to frame "guidelines so as to put a cap on airfares and prevent the private airlines from charging arbitrarily".

High Court asks ministry to consider plea seeking capping of airfares
The bench asked the ministry to pass the order as per law and directed it to inform the petitioner about the decision.

Government mulls policy on airfares; discussions at 'highest level'
The latest round of discussions comes close on the heels of parliamentarians raising concerns, last month, over surge in airfares during Jat agitation and natural calamities.

Capping of airfares violates competition norms: Ashok Chawla, CCI chairman
Terming that the move would be 'antithetical' to competition as well as deregulation, Chawla stressed that market forces should be allowed to operate.
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