- The spike in fares is driven by mass cancellations by IndiGo — the largest airline in India — which has triggered a surge in demand for remaining flights. Business Upturn+2NDTV India+2
- On several busy routes like Delhi–Bengaluru, Delhi–Mumbai, the fares soared multiple times the normal rates. Some last-minute tickets are reportedly going for ₹25,000–₹80,000 or more — much higher than typical fares. The Financial Express+2Live Hindustan+2
- Fuel costs have also climbed recently (jet-fuel/ATF), forcing airlines to raise prices to cover growing operational expenses. Outlook Business+2Samacharnama+2
- The disruption has hit travellers hard — cancellations, limited seats, and sudden fare inflation have created widespread frustration. Business Upturn+2TV9 Bharatvarsh+2
🚨 Government Steps: Price Caps Imposed
Because of the sharp fare hikes and public outcry — especially after many were stranded — the government has intervened. Key measures:
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has imposed airfare caps for all airlines (economy class) to prevent price-gouging. Business Standard+2Navbharat Times+2
- The new caps (excluding taxes/airport fees) are:
- Up to 500 km: Max ₹7,500
- 500–1,000 km: Max ₹12,000
- 1,000–1,500 km: Max ₹15,000
- Above 1,500 km: Max ₹18,000 Business Standard+2Hindustan Times+2
- This intervention follows several days of crisis triggered by cancellations under newly enforced flight-duty regulations for pilots. Hindustan Times+2AajTak+2
The fare caps will remain in force “till operations return to normal” — which regulators expect by around mid-December. The Times of India+2Business Standard+2
✈️ What caused the spike — and why now?
The surge results from a mix of factors:
- The massive cancellations by IndiGo — due to new pilot-duty and rest-time regulations — drastically reduced available flights. Hindustan Times+2NDTV India+2
- With limited seats, other airlines raised fares sharply under dynamic pricing to match supply–demand imbalance. Business Upturn+1
- Increased fuel (ATF) prices added to airlines’ cost pressures, pushing them to further raise fares. Outlook Business+1
- The crisis coincides with peak travel demand (holiday season, winter bookings), which amplified the price surge. Business Upturn+1
🧑✈️ What it means for travellers
- If you wait to book — especially last minute — you risk facing steep fares or no seats at all.
- The newly imposed caps help, but they apply only under certain conditions (mostly economy class). Premium or business-class travellers may still pay significantly more. Business Standard+2Business Today+2
- For now, booking early, planning flexibly, or considering alternate modes (train, bus) may be advisable for travellers across India.