EMERGENCY AIRFARE REGULATIONS
Expensive flights, struggling airlines: Why India's airfare crisis has no easy fix for passengers
India's proposed new airfare framework would require airlines to submit fare structures to the DGCA a month in advance, amid festive-season fare spikes of up to 68% on major domestic routes. Rising fuel costs, limited capacity and airline failures complicate efforts to protect passengers from steep price increases.
Aviation regulator DGCA may consider one-time check of pilots' training records, says AAIB in probe report
Probe agency AAIB has proposed that DGCA conduct a one-time review of fixed-wing pilot training records. The recommendations followed an accident involving VSR Ventures' Learjet 45XR that caused serious injuries to all onboard. AAIB suggests mandatory training for pilots and evaluations of training methodologies should be established. Furthermore, the regulator is encouraged to issue safety guidelines for non-scheduled operators to prevent future accidents.
Hidden cost of travel: Visa fees, card markups, optional tours and tips that can add 25-40% to budget; here's how to plan for them
Many travelers fail to account for hidden costs while planning international journeys, often only considering major expenses. These overlooked charges can hike trip costs by 25-40%, creating budget overruns. It's vital to include local transport, dining, and extra fees in your budget to avoid unexpected financial surprises. Employing effective budgeting techniques ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience abroad.
India needs more GST relief to make travel affordable, drive tourism growth: SOTC Travel MD
Further GST rationalization on domestic hotels and restaurants could fuel tourism growth. The government's move to reduce tax collected at source on overseas packages was positive. India's domestic tourism benefits from improving infrastructure and connectivity. Higher airfares make travelers more value-conscious, adapting with earlier bookings. SOTC Travel anticipates continued growth driven by rising incomes and expanding markets.
Sharp surge in festive season, holiday airfares 'serious concern': SC
The Supreme Court has deemed the surge in air ticket prices during festive seasons a "serious concern," questioning unpredictable fare fluctuations by private airlines. The court has directed the central government to file an affidavit within four weeks detailing steps to address this issue, acknowledging it as a matter impacting fundamental rights.
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.
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Supreme Court flags concern over exorbitant rise in airfares during festivals
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta termed the exorbitant rise of airfares by airlines as "exploitation" and asked the Centre and the DGCA to file their replies to a PIL seeking binding regulatory guidelines to control the unpredictable fluctuations in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.
Pahalgam terror attack triggers airline surge pricing: Why India needs regulation to curb crisis profiteering
Following the Pahalgam attack, Srinagar flight prices surged. This raised concerns about unfair pricing. The DGCA intervened, but many travelers already faced high costs. The Consumer Protection Act needs amendment. It should address emergency profiteering in essential services. A 'crisis pricing code' is necessary. This will ensure fair pricing during emergencies. India must prioritize consumer protection over unchecked algorithms.
Centre to introduce Indian Ports Bill, 2025 in Parliament today
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will introduce 'The Indian Ports Bill, 2025' in the Lok Sabha, aiming for integrated port development and effective management. Additionally, 'The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024' will be tabled, addressing carriers' responsibilities and liabilities. Various parliamentary papers and resolutions will also be discussed.
Parliamentary panel suggests AI-driven stringent airfare regulation mechanism, more teeth to DGCA on pricing
A parliamentary panel suggests an AI-powered system, 'AirPrice Guardian,' to monitor and regulate airfare trends. The proposed framework aims at curbing exorbitant pricing through predictive analytics and introduces 'Airfare Vigil' app for citizens to report fare anomalies. The panel also recommends empowering the DGCA with quasi-judicial authority to enforce penalties on exploitative practices.
DGCA and airlines clash over transparency in ticket pricing, cite commercial sensitivity
DGCA and top Indian airlines are at odds over a notice requiring detailed data on airfares from the last two years. Airlines are concerned about sharing sensitive information, proposing instead to offer broad data. The government affirms no plans to regulate airfares but seeks to strengthen tariff monitoring for better visibility.
No plans for insolvency filing, focused on reviving grounded fleet, SpiceJet says
Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet Ltd said on Thursday it had no plans to file for insolvency, days after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued a notice to the Ajay Singh-promoted private carrier on a petition filed by an aircraft lessor seeking initiation of insolvency resolution proceedings against it.
Toxic air makes flying out of capital dearer
Air pollution in Delhi has taken air travel back to the times when only the rich could afford to fly, domestic airfares departing from the capital have soared to an unprecedented high. The cheapest one-way fare from Delhi to Jaipur was Rs 14,000.
Delhi HC issues notice to Jet Airways on plea for refund, alternative flights to passengers
The application was filed by consumer rights activist Bejon K. Misra.
DGCA to seek credible revival plan from Jet Airways, says official
A senior official of the DGCA also said the regulator would take action in accordance with due procedure under relevant regulations.
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.
New rules to take off soon! Ticket cancellation charges cannot exceed base fares, DGCA says to airlines
The need for such a system was felt after air fares skyrocketed during the Chennai floods last year and the Jat agitation in Haryana in February.
Not fully giving lower fuel cost benefits to customers: IndiGo
The steep fall in oil prices in recent times has provided a boost for airlines as ATF costs account for over 40% of a carrier's total costs.
DGCA seeks info on ticket pricing from airlines
With concern being expressed over steep fluctuation in airfares, civil aviation regulator DGCA has sought details from the airlines on their pricing ways, especially the highest fare bucket.
Proposal to ensure air ticket for Rs 2,500 for 1-hour journeys: Government
There is a proposal to ensure that only Rs 2,500 is charged per ticket for one-hour flights, government told the Lok Sabha today amid concerns expressed by members over exorbitant airfares.
PM Modi voices concern over high airfares during festive seasons
There have been instances of airlines hiking price of air tickets during festival seasons when more people travel.
Civil Aviation Ministry hints at capping airfares
In a clear signal on capping airfares, the Civil Aviation Ministry said mechanisms would be put in place to curb predatory pricing ways of airlines.
Average fare of carriers during peak seasons near minimum fare: DGCA
Aviation regulator DGCA has said that the average fare of domestic carriers during peak demand seasons was closer to the minimum fare.
Civil Aviation Ministry not to regulate airfares after analysis, okays price structure
The decision came after the ministry’s analysis of lowest and highest fares showed fares have come down or only marginally increased in the past few years.
Predatory pricing a 'big issue', says Civil Aviation Minister Mahesh Sharma; favours airfare cap
The ministry last year circulated a note for internal discussion wherein it suggested steps to cap airfares at minimum and maximum levels.
Parliamentary panel seeks regulation of airfares
The panel said even the benefit of reduction in the price of ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) is not passed on to passengers.
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