Check air fares, deploy additional flights: DGCA directs commercial airliners amid festive season rush

Mumbai: In the run up to Diwali festivities, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked commercial airliners to keep a check on air fares and press additional flights to meet the demand.

During festive seasons and increased demand, there have been instances of surge in domestic airfares, especially in high traffic routes - leading to severe criticism of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and airline companies.

“The DGCA is mandated by MoCA to keep a watch on airfares, especially during festive season and take appropriate measures in case of a surge in prices. Accordingly, the DGCA proactively took up the issue/matter with airlines and asked them to augment flight capacities for the festive season by deploying additional flights to meet high demand,” officials said In response, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet have informed the DGCA that additional flights would be undertaken across the country.

IndiGo has assured of deployment of around 730 additional flights across 42 sectors.

Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express will deploy around 486 additional flights across 20 sectors.

SpiceJet will press into service 546 additional flights across 38 sectors.

“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will maintain rigorous oversight of airline fares and flight capacities to protect passengers’ interests during the festive season,” officials added.