The Indian government on Saturday ordered airlines to limit fares as it tries to protect the country from the fallout of one of the worst air traffic disruptions ever.
IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, canceled over 1,000 local flights on Friday in its worst day of disruptions, leaving thousands stranded at airports across the country.
The 20-year-old airline, which has long prided itself on on-time performance and low charges, saw a decline in operations this week.
Challenges began when the airline failed to implement new government regulations requiring longer rest periods for crews and limited night flying hours for greater safety.
Indian Aviation Ministry has ordered airlines to rein in prices
Amid the chaos other air carriers raised prices on popular routes, prompting the Civil Aviation Ministry to order price controls.
“To protect passengers from any form of opportunistic pricing, the ministry has invoked its regulatory powers to ensure fair and reasonable fares on all affected routes,” the statement said.
“These limits will remain in place until the situation is completely stabilized,” the statement said, without giving specific details.
IndiGo has apologized to passengers and admitted a “serious operational crisis”.
When will the air traffic situation in India come under control?
Given the scale of the disruptions, the government relaxed some of its rules for airlines until February, but the mandatory rest period for pilots will remain in place.
Delhi airport said in a post on Twitter that flight operations are resuming smoothly, but some IndiGo flights are being affected.
IndiGo has said that it can return to normal between 10-15 December.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar