As there is an increase in Passenger demand, the airlines are convinced to expand the aircraft capacity.
Ahead of the approaching holiday season, the ministry has examined existing airfare trends, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As there is an increase in Passenger demand, the airlines are convinced to expand the aircraft capacity.
During this period of high travel demand, the Directorate General interacted with the Ministry of Civil aviation’s (MoCA) officials. To this, airlines responded with addition of new flights:
- IndiGo: Approximately 730 more flights would be deployed in 42 sectors.
- About 486 more flights will be deployed across 20 sectors by Air India and Air India Express.
- SpiceJet: Approximately 546 more flights will be deployed across 38 sectors.
The government also promised to help maintain strict monitoring of aircraft capacities and airfares while keeping passenger safety in mind.
In order to protect passengers’ interests, the aviation authority would continue to closely monitor airfares and flight capacities, according to a senior DGCA official. While News 18 reported on the matter, it revealed that the officials mentioned that the airlines have made sure that they run sufficient flights so could meet the demand during festive season.
To increase safety and transparency in the civil aviation industry, the DGCA has fortified its oversight and auditing procedures in recent years. By implementing special audits, particularly in the wake of the Air India disaster, the DGCA has expanded routine monitoring.
Increasing ATF Fuel Prices During Holiday Seasons
Prices for Air Turbine Fuel (ATF), which accounts for over half of an airline’s operating costs, usually rise over the holiday season. ATF pricing have increased by about Rs 12,000 per kiloliter over the last four months.
Although there was a Rs 1,300 decrease last month, the general pattern has been steady increases of between Rs 100 and Rs 1,000 every time. It is anticipated that this upward trend will increase the pressure on airfares over the holiday season, which will raise the cost of tickets during that time.
