New Delhi : The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has intervened to address passenger concerns over steep ticket prices being charged on certain routes following the ongoing disruption in IndiGo’s operations. Exercising its regulatory authority, the Ministry has directed airlines to maintain fair and reasonable fares across all affected sectors.
According to the official order, carriers must comply with newly prescribed fare ceilings until normal operations resume. The move is aimed at ensuring pricing discipline, preventing exploitation of travelers in urgent need, and safeguarding vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, students, and patients from undue financial stress.
MoCA has also announced that it will monitor ticket prices in real time, working closely with airlines and online booking platforms. Any violation of the mandated caps will trigger swift corrective measures in the interest of the public.
Background on Indigo Airlines Service Disruption
India’s largest airline, Indigo, has faced one of the most severe operational crises in recent aviation history. The disruption began in late November 2025 and escalated into December, leading to over 1,200 flight cancellations in November alone, followed by hundreds more in early December.
Root Causes
- Pilot Duty Rules (FDTL): Newly enforced Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations by the DGCA restricted pilot working hours. While designed to enhance safety, the rules collided with Indigo’s winter schedules, creating severe rostering challenges.
- Pilot Shortages: Indigo struggled with crew availability, with more than 750 cancellations in November directly linked to pilot rostering and shortage issues.
- Operational Strain: At Delhi Airport, Indigo’s largest hub, all domestic departures were cancelled on December 5, 2025, affecting nearly 230 scheduled flights in a single day.
Passenger Impact
- Thousands of travellers were stranded across major airports including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
- Long queues, frayed tempers, and viral videos of distressed passengers highlighted the human cost of the disruption.
- Refunds and rescheduling waivers were announced, but the scale of cancellations caused widespread frustration.
This crisis has raised questions about:
- The resilience of India’s aviation system amid rising passenger demand.
- The management practices of Indigo, particularly in crew planning and operational flexibility.
- The balance between air safety regulations and the need for uninterrupted passenger services.
