The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and India’s leading airlines are engaged in a standoff over the regulator’s recent notice demanding detailed data on airfares for the past two years. The aviation watchdog has asked airlines to submit comprehensive information on ticket pricing, including fare buckets and category-wise breakdowns, to ensure transparency and curb any potential malpractices in airfare determination.
This move comes amid rising concerns about fluctuating airfares and allegations of price manipulation during peak travel seasons. The DGCA aims to assess how airlines set their ticket prices and whether there are any irregularities in the pricing structure. However, airlines have expressed strong reservations about sharing such granular data, arguing that it involves commercially sensitive information and could expose their competitive strategies.
Industry insiders suggest that airlines view this directive as an overreach, fearing it may lead to excessive regulatory scrutiny and impact their pricing flexibility. The DGCA, on the other hand, maintains that the data collection is necessary to protect consumer interests and ensure fair pricing practices in the aviation sector. The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and the commercial interests of private carriers as the industry navigates post-pandemic recovery and increasing operational costs.
