The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its scrutiny of airfares ahead of the upcoming festive season, instructing airlines to expand flight capacity to prevent ticket price surges amid rising travel demand. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed on Sunday that the DGCA is actively monitoring fare trends and has issued directives to airlines to operate additional flights on busy routes.
In its statement, the ministry said, “DGCA is mandated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to keep a watch on airfares, especially during the festive season, and take appropriate measures in case of a surge in prices.” The regulator has therefore taken proactive measures, engaging directly with airlines and urging them to increase capacity by deploying more flights during this high-demand period.
Responding to the directive, major carriers announced significant expansions in their flight schedules. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will operate around 730 additional flights across 42 sectors, while Air India and Air India Express together plan to introduce 486 extra flights across 20 routes. SpiceJet, too, has joined the effort, announcing 546 additional flights across 38 sectors to accommodate the surge in passengers.
These capacity enhancements are expected to ease pressure on airfares, which typically spike during the festive months of October and November as millions of travellers fly home or embark on holiday trips. The DGCA’s intervention aims to ensure a balance between market demand and consumer affordability, especially as domestic air traffic continues to witness record highs post-pandemic.
Beyond fare regulation, the DGCA has also been strengthening oversight mechanisms to maintain transparency and enhance air safety. Between 2020 and June 2025, the regulator conducted 171 regulatory audits, examining airlines, maintenance units, and flight training organisations. These audits are part of broader efforts to uphold the highest standards of airworthiness and passenger safety.
Following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad earlier this year, which reignited concerns over operational safety and system checks, the DGCA launched a series of special audits across the aviation sector. These detailed inspections cover scheduled and non-scheduled airlines, flying schools, and maintenance organisations to ensure strict compliance with safety norms and to identify potential lapses before they escalate into serious incidents.
By increasing flight capacity and tightening regulatory oversight, the DGCA aims to create a stable, safe, and passenger-friendly aviation environment during one of India’s busiest travel seasons.
