New Delhi, Dec 6: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has imposed a nationwide cap on domestic airfares following severe disruptions at IndiGo that triggered widespread cancellations, reduced flight capacity, and skyrocketing ticket prices across major routes.

The move, announced on Saturday, aims to stabilize fares and protect passengers until normal operations resume.

Under the new directive, airlines cannot charge beyond fixed maximum limits:

• ₹7,500 for routes up to 500 km
• ₹12,000 for 500-1,000 km
• ₹15,000 for 1,000-1,500 km
• ₹18,000 for above 1,500 km

These caps exclude user development fees (UDF), passenger service fees (PSF), and applicable taxes. Business class fares and flights under the UDAN regional scheme remain exempt.

.@MoCA_GoI Action on IndiGo Operational Crisis - Air Fare Regulation

💠 The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken serious note of concerns regarding unusually high airfares being charged by certain airlines during the ongoing disruption. In order to protect passengers from any… pic.twitter.com/7KWRvPOECm

— PIB India (@PIB_India) December 6, 2025

Airlines have also been instructed to maintain availability across all fare categories and consider adding capacity on high-demand routes.

Also read: Complete All Pending Passenger Refunds By 8 PM On Sunday: Centre To IndiGo

The IndiGo Chaos

The order comes after IndiGo faced massive operational challenges while adjusting to new Flight Duty Time Limitation norms. The airline cancelled more than 1,000 flights on Friday and over 400 on Saturday, leading to chaos in the domestic aviation sector.

As a result, ticket prices surged to unprecedented levels, with a Delhi–Mumbai non-stop flight reaching ₹65,460 and connecting options ranging between ₹38,376 and ₹48,972.

Government Takes Action

The ministry has taken strong note of “unusually high airfares” and warned carriers against opportunistic pricing. Any violation of the prescribed caps will invite immediate regulatory action.

Additionally, airlines must waive rescheduling fees for passengers affected by cancellations or delays, and all refunds must be processed by 8 pm on Sunday.

IndiGo has been directed to establish dedicated support and refund teams, ensure automatic refunds, and proactively assist passengers with alternate bookings. The airline must also resolve baggage delays or losses within 48 hours.