📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Civil Aviation
Business
Government Orders Fixed Airline Fares During Emergencies
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 21 Oct 2026, 12:46 AM
👁 18
The Indian government has mandated that airlines keep ticket prices unchanged during declared emergencies, aiming to protect travelers from price spikes.
New guidelines issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation require all domestic carriers to maintain the fare quoted at the time of booking when a national or regional emergency is declared. The rule is intended to prevent sudden price hikes that could burden passengers during crises such as natural disasters or health emergencies.
Airlines are instructed to honor the original fare for the entire duration of the emergency period, and any deviation will attract penalties under the civil aviation regulations. The directive applies to all scheduled flights operating within India, including low‑cost and full‑service carriers.
The ministry said the measure will be reviewed periodically and may be extended or modified based on the severity and duration of the emergency. It also urged consumers to report any violations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Industry analysts view the step as a consumer‑friendly move, though some carriers have expressed concerns about revenue impacts during prolonged emergencies.
Airlines are instructed to honor the original fare for the entire duration of the emergency period, and any deviation will attract penalties under the civil aviation regulations. The directive applies to all scheduled flights operating within India, including low‑cost and full‑service carriers.
The ministry said the measure will be reviewed periodically and may be extended or modified based on the severity and duration of the emergency. It also urged consumers to report any violations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Industry analysts view the step as a consumer‑friendly move, though some carriers have expressed concerns about revenue impacts during prolonged emergencies.