Airlines can operate 85% of pre-Covid flights; last-minute fares to be capped

Mumbai The government allowed airlines to increase capacity to 85% of pre-Covid flights, from 72.5%, and said it will regulate last-minute airfares for flights up to 15 days from the date of booking, spelling relief for domestic passengers who plan to travel during the festive season starting next month.

“If the current date is 20th September, then the fare bands shall be applicable till 4th October. Any booking done on 20th September for travel on or after 5th October shall not be controlled by fare bands,” said a government order issued on Saturday. “On the following day, that is, if the current date is 21st September then the fare bands shall be in force till 5th October and for travel on or after 6th October, the fare bands shall not be applicable. So, the fare bands will shift by a day every day. The higher flight capacity limit will help airlines introduce more flights as demand for domestic travel rises ahead of the festive season.”

According to the slab, fares for short-haul flights range between Rs 2,900 and Rs 8,800, and those for long flights between Rs 9,800 and Rs 27,200. A restriction of 15 days is meant to ensure fares do not cross the upper limit even during the festive rush.

SpiceJet and GoAir are said to favour restrictions on flights, as the two carriers have limited cash to fly all their planes, IndiGo and Vistara wanted the restriction to completely be abolished.