New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a directive enforcing fare caps across all domestic airlines after airfares surged sharply in the past five days amid widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo.

The disruptions, which left thousands of passengers stranded, led to an unusual rise in ticket prices on multiple routes, prompting concerns of passenger exploitation.

Invoking its regulatory powers, the ministry instructed all airlines to comply strictly with the prescribed fare limits, warning that any deviation will attract immediate corrective action. Officials stated that the fare cap will remain in effect until the aviation situation stabilises and full operational normalcy returns.

According to the ministry, the cap has been introduced to maintain pricing discipline and prevent passengers—particularly senior citizens, students and patients—from facing financial hardship during the ongoing crisis. The government also stressed that the move aims to ensure equitable access to essential travel while airlines work to restore normal flight operations.

The Centre stepped in on Saturday after witnessing abnormal spikes in domestic airfares linked to the IndiGo operational crisis, which has resulted in widespread cancellations across several sectors. Thousands of passengers were left stranded at airports nationwide, creating sudden pressure on available seats and driving ticket prices sharply upward.

In response, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a formal order imposing fare caps and directing complete adherence by all carriers. The ministry emphasised that the directive is rooted in public interest and aims to prevent any exploitation of travellers during a period of limited flight availability.

The order clarified that the fare limits will remain until normal network capacity is restored and airlines resume stable, predictable operations. It also reiterated that vulnerable passengers—including those travelling for medical reasons, students returning home and senior citizens—must not be subjected to unaffordable pricing during the disruptions.

The government’s move follows mounting concerns about sudden fare hikes on high-demand routes over the past week. Railways has already stepped in by adding extra trains and coaches to accommodate stranded travellers as airlines continue to adjust schedules. The ministry has assured constant monitoring of fare behaviour and has indicated that further regulatory steps may be taken if required.