Flight disruptions triggered by IndiGo’s prolonged operational crisis prompted the Centre to invoke its regulatory powers on Saturday, rolling out a series of directives aimed at restoring stability in the aviation sector and protecting passengers from steep fares and delayed refunds. The move came as cancellations mounted for the fifth consecutive day, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded across the country and driving airfares to unprecedented highs.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all airlines have now been instructed to strictly adhere to newly prescribed fare caps across affected routes. The order, issued in response to sudden spikes in ticket prices following IndiGo’s mass cancellations, will remain in force until the situation stabilises. Real-time monitoring of fares has been initiated, with officials warning that any deviation will invite immediate corrective action. The ministry noted that the objective is to ensure that passengers, particularly senior citizens, students, patients, and those forced into last-minute travel, are not subjected to unreasonable financial strain.
Airfare surges were reported on several trunk routes, with Delhi–Mumbai fares on Air India touching ₹60,000 on Friday. Chennai–Delhi flights on Air India Express peaked at ₹41,000, while SpiceJet quoted as high as ₹69,000 on select sectors. The government said it had taken “serious note” of such opportunistic pricing, calling the fare cap essential for maintaining discipline in the market during a period of acute seat shortage.
As the cancellations crossed 400 flights on Saturday, another key directive was issued to IndiGo, this time mandating that all pending passenger refunds be cleared by 8 pm on Sunday. The government also barred airlines from levying rescheduling charges on passengers whose travel plans were disrupted. Officials said non-compliance on refund timelines would trigger regulatory action, and asked IndiGo to set up dedicated support and facilitation cells to proactively reach affected passengers. Automatic refunds will continue until operations normalise.
In addition, IndiGo has been instructed to trace and deliver separated baggage to passengers’ homes or chosen addresses within 48 hours. The ministry emphasised that communication with passengers regarding baggage tracking and compensation must be clear and prompt. Similar directions have been issued to other carriers operating on impacted routes.
IndiGo, in its statement, said it was prioritising all customer refunds and working closely with airports and partners to ensure timely updates. The airline added that cancellations had dropped below 850 flights on Saturday, noting that teams were focused on stabilising schedules, reducing delays, and restoring operations. It urged passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport and apologised for the disruption caused.
The cascading impact of the crisis has also reached Indian Railways, which has deployed 116 additional coaches across 37 premium trains to accommodate the surge in travellers opting for rail transport. The Railway Ministry said the enhanced capacity would help ease the travel rush until normal air operations resume.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airports, and security agencies to restore full operational normalcy and uphold passenger rights.
