New Delhi: In an attempt to curb irregularities and regulate fare hikes, the government will scrap the provision allowing airlines to notify the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of the changes in fares within 24 hours. It was announced by Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.

The Minister made this statement during a discussion on the new Aviation Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The government claimed that airfares have decreased in 2024 compared to 2023, with reductions noted across several routes during the festive season. The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to making airfares affordable for passengers.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol clarified that ticket prices will not come under direct government regulation. Current laws allow airlines to modify fares based on operational costs, ensuring companies retain pricing autonomy.

The government generally refrains from directly regulating fares to maintain market competitiveness but continues to monitor the situation closely, Mohol stated in a written response on November 25.

On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha passed the new Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 (Indian Aviation Bill 2024), which replaces the 90-year-old Aircraft Act. The Bill aims to simplify the aviation sector and was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha after being cleared in the Lok Sabha on August 9.

Although some members protested the renaming of the law from English to Hindi, Minister Naidu defended the decision as a step toward reflecting India's heritage and culture. While the name might take time to become familiar, it will eventually settle into common usage, the Minister added.