The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has increased its scrutiny of airfares ahead of the festive season and asked airlines to put more flights into service to manage the rise in passenger numbers and avoid steep fare hikes.
After the review, several airlines confirmed they would expand capacity to meet the growing demand. IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, said it will operate about 730 extra flights across 42 routes during the festive period. Air India and Air India Express have together added approximately 486 flights across 20 sectors, while SpiceJet plans to run about 546 additional flights covering 38 sectors.
Officials said the additional capacity will primarily cover high-demand routes connecting major metros and tier-II cities, ensuring travellers have more options during the festive period. The move is also expected to help stabilise ticket prices, which tend to rise sharply during peak travel months.
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DGCA to maintain oversight on fares
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the DGCA will continue to maintain close oversight of both airfares and seat availability in the coming weeks. “The aim is to protect passenger interests and ensure transparency in pricing during the festive season,” the Ministry said in a statement.
A senior aviation official added that while airfares are determined by market dynamics, the regulator’s proactive engagement with airlines helps prevent “unreasonable fluctuations” that could affect consumers.
Festive travel sees strong rebound
The festive season typically drives one of the highest travel volumes of the year, with bookings rising sharply for routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai and regional hubs. Industry analysts expect air traffic to surpass last year’s festive period, supported by growing disposable incomes and easing fuel costs.
