With the festive season, particularly Diwali, just around the corner, airfares typically see a significant surge due to increased travel demand. However, travelers might find some relief this year, as the government has issued a clear directive to airlines regarding the regulation of airfares.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu convened a meeting with key airline representatives on Friday. During this extensive session, which lasted over five hours, the minister emphasized the importance of keeping flight ticket prices at reasonable levels throughout the upcoming festive period. The discussions also covered operational efficiency, passenger grievances, and security measures.
The minister specifically directed all airlines to ensure that fares remain fair and accessible across all routes. This measure is intended to prevent passengers from facing undue financial burdens due to sudden and sharp price increases during this busy travel time.
To further support this initiative and provide a channel for complaints, the Civil Aviation Ministry has enhanced its AirSewa portal. This upgrade allows passengers to conveniently register their grievances concerning high airfares. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Tariff Monitoring Unit has been tasked with overseeing airlines’ adherence to declared fare ranges.
Airlines have reportedly assured the ministry that passenger convenience will be their top priority. They also indicated that additional flight capacity is being deployed on high-demand routes to better manage the expected surge in travel during the festive season.
Maintaining Service Quality
The review meeting also touched upon recent operational incidents, prompting the minister to urge airlines to adopt best practices in passenger service and overall efficiency. Airlines were encouraged to identify and address any operational bottlenecks and to resolve passenger complaints promptly and effectively.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including the Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.