New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the removal of temporary caps on domestic airfares, effective March 23, 2026, following the stabilisation of operations after the IndiGo flight disruptions in December last year.

The move comes amid ongoing operational challenges for international routes due to the West Asia conflict, though domestic flight operations have largely returned to normal levels.

Pricing discipline emphasised

In its order, the ministry urged airlines to exercise pricing discipline and maintain transparency. Airlines have been instructed to ensure fares remain reasonable, fair, and aligned with market conditions, safeguarding passenger interests.

The ministry also cautioned that any excessive or unjustified surge in ticket prices, particularly during peak demand or disruptions, would be closely monitored and treated seriously.

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Background: IndiGo flight disruptions

Temporary airfare caps were first introduced on December 6, 2025, to control abnormal ticket price spikes resulting from large-scale flight disruptions at IndiGo. With the restoration of capacity and normalisation of domestic operations, the ministry reviewed the situation and decided to withdraw the fare caps.

Officials emphasised that the ministry continues to monitor airfare trends in real time to prevent irregular pricing and ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers.

PTI