India to Finalise Airfare Surge Pricing Regulations Within Three Weeks
The Indian government has committed to finalizing new regulations within the next three weeks to curb arbitrary airfare hikes and protect passengers from exploitative pricing. This move comes in direct response to pressure from the Supreme Court, which has been reviewing the civil aviation sector's pricing practices for several months. During recent hearings, the Court expressed significant concern over the sharp spikes in ticket prices during festivals and peak travel periods, labeling these surges as "exploitative" and demanding that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation take decisive action.
To address these grievances, the Centre has submitted a draft framework under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, to the Supreme Court for review. This proposal aims to establish binding rules for surge pricing, excessive baggage fees, and standardized cancellation and refund policies. While these permanent rules are being finalized, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured the Court that it will continue issuing advisory memorandums to airlines to manage pricing. The Supreme Court has underscored the urgency of the matter, even advising the government to consider grounding any carriers that fail to comply with existing directives.