In a move to protect consumer interests, the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) has formally lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, highlighting a sharp surge in air fares during the festive season. The organisation alleged that domestic airlines raised fares by as much as 300%, urging an investigation and immediate intervention to reinstate normal pricing.
According to MGP, air travellers have reported a significant spike in ticket prices across major airlines, including Indigo, Air India, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet. Citing specific examples, MGP noted that flights on routes like Mumbai-Delhi and Mumbai-Lucknow, which typically cost between ₹6,000 and ₹13,000 during September and October, skyrocketed to ₹12,100–₹27,800 in early December. In certain cases, fares were marked up by over 206%. MGP’s complaint pointed out disparities, such as budget airlines charging higher fares than full-service carriers like Air India for similar routes and schedules. The organisation criticised these practices as “unilateral, steep, and unjustified,” equating them to unfair trade practices that exploit consumers.
Chairman Shirish Deshpande highlighted that the air fare surge coincides with an increase in demand during festivals like Diwali and Christmas. He attributed part of the issue to reduced airline capacity following the closure of Jet Airways and Go First, compounded by inadequate regulatory oversight. “Despite expectations that the Civil Aviation Ministry would monitor and regulate fares to prevent consumer exploitation, no effective action has been taken,” said Deshpande. He added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) lacks the authority to control pricing, prompting MGP to escalate the matter to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
MGP’s demands include an immediate investigation into the alleged price gouging and a directive to airlines to revert to fare levels seen in September or October. Deshpande called for swift measures to prevent further exploitation of consumers during high-demand periods. As the festive season draws to a close, consumer advocacy groups and travellers alike await government action to address these concerns and ensure fair pricing practices in the aviation sector.
