Relief From Expensive Air Tickets During Festivals, DGCA Plans Price Cap System

Mumbai: Are you troubled by sky-high airfares during festivals or holidays? Relief could be on the way. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has informed a Parliamentary Committee that it is working on a system to stop sudden fare hikes during high-demand periods.

One part of the plan includes setting a maximum fare cap on select busy routes, so that common travelers don’t face extra financial burden.

The meeting included top officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, airline CEOs, and members of Parliament.

Many MPs raised questions about airfares and flight safety, and even demanded an audit of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

Air India Crash and Rising Airfares Spark Parliamentary Outrage

On June 12, a major Air India crash in Ahmedabad resulted in the death of 274 people.

The crash involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 passengers. The final report of the incident is yet to be released.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been given 30 days to complete the investigation.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) held a meeting on this issue.

Present at the meeting were:

- Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Sinha

- DGCA Chief Faiz Ahmad Kidwai

- Air India CEO Campbell Wilson

- Representatives from IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, etc.

- Safety Concerns and Need for Reforms Highlighted

Air India’s CEO said the airline is working to upgrade all its aircraft over the next two years to improve passenger comfort and safety.

He added that the company takes safety very seriously.

MPs raised concerns about delays in investigation, recent frequent incidents, and pushed for an audit of BCAS.

It was also revealed that all Boeing 787 aircraft in India have now gone through safety checks.

Former Aviation Minister Suggests More Staff for DGCA

Former Aviation Minister and current MP Praful Patel said the DGCA should take stronger steps to make air travel safer.

He also suggested hiring retired experts to fill staffing shortages in the DGCA.

MPs Question Sudden Fare Surges During Emergencies and Events

During the meeting, MPs questioned why airfares spike suddenly during events like:

- Terror attacks in Pahalgam

- Mahakumbh in Prayagraj

One official said the DGCA is working with airlines to develop a fare control system.

However, an MP asked, “Till then, will passengers keep getting exploited?”

Some MPs pointed out that DGCA already has enough powers and should act immediately.

The DGCA assured that rules to stop unfair pricing will be formed soon, giving relief to common people.

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