Government Fixes Airfare Caps After Airlines Hike Prices Amid IndiGo Disruptions
Ravi Jakhu
New Delhi, December 06, 2025: With thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country due to massive disruptions in IndiGo Airlines’ operations, several other carriers were reportedly taking undue advantage of the situation by sharply increasing fares. Many airlines had raised ticket prices by two to three times the normal rates, prompting widespread complaints.
Acting swiftly, the government has now imposed a fare cap on all domestic flights, ensuring that no airline can charge fares arbitrarily until the situation stabilizes.
Revised Fare Limits Announced
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry’s new fare cap:
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For travel up to 500 km: maximum fare ₹7,500
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For 500–1000 km: maximum fare ₹12,000
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For 1000–1500 km: maximum fare ₹15,000
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For routes beyond 1500 km: maximum fare ₹18,000
These limits exclude UDF, PSF and applicable taxes.
The fare cap will remain in effect until operations return to normal across the aviation sector.
The Ministry stated that the decision was taken after receiving complaints that certain airlines were overcharging passengers in the absence of IndiGo’s full operations. All airlines have been instructed to strictly adhere to the notified caps. Real-time monitoring of fares will be carried out through continuous coordination with carriers and online travel platforms. Any violation will result in action against the concerned airline.
Refund and Baggage Orders for IndiGo
The government has also issued strict directions to IndiGo Airlines:
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All pending refunds must be processed by 8 PM on Sunday.
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Missing baggage must be traced and delivered to passengers’ homes within 48 hours.
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No rescheduling fee should be charged from affected travellers.
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IndiGo must set up special support and refund cells to handle passenger grievances efficiently.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the situation and will take additional steps if required to safeguard passengers’ interests.