India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has revised its stance on airfare data submission, allowing airlines to provide aggregated fare data instead of detailed passenger-level pricing information. The decision comes after concerns were raised by airlines over data privacy and operational complexities.
Initially, the DGCA sought detailed fare data at an individual passenger level to monitor pricing trends and ensure transparency in ticket pricing. However, airlines resisted the move, citing data confidentiality concerns and the logistical challenges of compiling such granular information. Following discussions with stakeholders, the regulator has now agreed to accept airfare data in an aggregated format, which will still enable effective monitoring of fare trends without breaching passenger privacy.
The shift in policy is seen as a balanced approach that allows the regulator to oversee pricing strategies while addressing airlines’ concerns over competitive and sensitive data. The DGCA has been closely monitoring airfare trends amid fluctuations in ticket prices, driven by factors such as seasonal demand, fuel prices, and operational costs.
With the revised submission format, airlines will provide consolidated fare data that reflects overall pricing trends rather than individual ticket details. This move is expected to streamline compliance requirements while ensuring regulatory oversight in the rapidly growing Indian aviation sector.
The decision highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain transparency in airfare pricing while fostering cooperation between regulators and airlines. As air travel demand continues to rise, the DGCA is likely to refine its monitoring mechanisms further to strike a balance between consumer interests and airline operations.