Parliamentary panel presses IndiGo and Air India over rising airfares
A parliamentary committee questioned IndiGo and Air India officials on high fares, as airlines cited fuel costs and the Pakistan airspace closure.
A parliamentary standing committee on public undertakings, chaired by Baijayant Panda, met senior officials of IndiGo and Air India and raised concerns about rising airfares. Some members said high fares had become a difficulty for passengers.
The airline officials pointed to higher aviation turbine fuel prices and the closure of Pakistan's airspace, which has lengthened many Air India flights and increased fuel use. IndiGo reported a loss of Rs1,879.1 crore in the September quarter, citing fuel costs and rupee depreciation, while Air India's losses nearly doubled in 2025-26. IndiGo also raised its fuel charge on GCC flights to Rs 5,500 per sector from October 6, and domestic seat capacity fell in September at both carriers.
Fares for UAE travellers heading to India have also climbed ahead of Diwali. On the same day, the panel met directors general of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to discuss aviation security and adopting global practices.