SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Institutions: Ministry of Civil Aviation
On 05 October 2025, the DGCA convened a review of airfare trends in anticipation of the upcoming festive travel season, identifying concerns over sudden price spikes, surcharge practices, and capacity constraints.
The review engaged with airlines, airports, and consumer groups to push for transparency in fare components, avoid last-minute surcharges, and optimize aircraft deployment in key sectors. The DGCA also requested airlines to rationalize peak-period pricing and ensure sufficient capacity in underserved routes to prevent price gouging.
This oversight effort aims to balance airline commercial imperatives with consumer fairness, especially during high-demand periods.
By proactively inspecting airfare behavior before peak season, DGCA signals stronger consumer-protection intent in aviation. This could influence fare regulation discussions, price-window norms, and influence how low-cost carriers price during festivals across metro and non-metro routes.
What is DGCA? β The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is Indiaβs regulatory agency for aviation safety, economic regulation, and consumer protection in civil aviation. It ensures airlines adhere to safety, fare transparency, and licensing norms.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What additional regulatory tools or monitoring systems can DGCA employ, such as dynamic fare caps or advance booking price tracking, to deter predatory pricing without stifling airline flexibility?
Follow the full announcement here:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175024