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DGCA Releases Summer Flight Schedule, Fare Caps Lifted for Airlines

The DGCA has released the summer schedule for domestic flights, effective from March 29 to October 24. Concurrently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has withdrawn the temporary fare caps imposed in December 2025, citing a stabilised market and restored airline capacity. While airlines can now set prices based on demand, the Ministry has directed them to act responsibly and ensure fares remain reasonable and transparent. The government will continue to monitor airfare trends and warns against unjustified price surges.

Key Points: DGCA Summer Flight Schedule & Fare Cap Removal Details

  • Summer flight schedule effective March 29
  • Fare caps withdrawn after market stabilisation
  • Airlines must keep fares reasonable and transparent
  • Ministry to monitor airfare trends closely
2 min read

DGCA releases summer flights schedule for Indian domestic carriers; in effect from March 29

DGCA releases domestic summer flight schedule effective March 29. Government removes fare caps, allowing airlines to set market-based prices.

"airlines are required to exercise pricing discipline and act responsibly - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, March 23

The Directorate General for Civil Aviation has released the schedule for domestic flights on Monday, applicable from March 29th to October 24th.

DGCA, in its official notification, has advised passengers to cross-check the website of the respective airlines and to contact them in case of last-minute flight schedule changes due to "operational exigencies."

On Sunday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation decided to withdraw the temporary fare caps on domestic airfares starting Monday (March 23).

The decision marks the end of a price-control regime that the government initiated several months ago to manage volatility in the aviation market.

The Ministry confirmed the development through an official order, noting that the restrictions on ticket pricing are no longer required under the current operating environment.

"Whereas, vide letter dated 6th December 2025, the Ministry had introduced a temporary fare cap on domestic airfares with a view to contain abnormal surge in ticket prices arising out of large-scale flight disruptions of IndiGo, and with an objective to safeguard passenger interests and ensure affordability during a period of constrained capacity," the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated.

In the official communication, the Ministry observed that the "prevailing situation has since stabilised, with restoration of capacity and normalisation of operations across the sector." Based on this assessment, the government determined that the fare cap imposed in December "shall stand withdrawn with effect from 23rd March, 2026." This move allows airlines to once again determine ticket prices based on market demand and supply dynamics.

Despite the deregulation, the Ministry issued a clear directive to carriers regarding their pricing strategies. "While withdrawing the fare cap, it is reiterated that airlines are required to exercise pricing discipline and act responsibly. Airlines shall ensure that fares remain reasonable, transparent and commensurate with market conditions, and that passenger interests are not adversely impacted," it said.

The Ministry warned that any instance of "excessive or unjustified surge in fares" will be "viewed seriously," particularly during periods of peak "demand, further disruptions, or other exigencies."

"The Ministry will continue to closely monitor airfare trends on a real-time basis," it stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a frequent flyer between Mumbai and Delhi, I'm a bit worried. The moment caps go, airlines will hike prices for summer holidays. The Ministry's warning is nice, but will they actually act if fares double? We need more low-cost options.
R
Rohit P
Finally! The caps were a temporary solution that overstayed its welcome. The aviation sector needs to be profitable to invest in new planes and better service. Passengers should book early for the best deals, that's common sense.
S
Sarah B
The key point is to check the airline website directly. So many times, third-party apps show wrong schedules. Good move by DGCA to emphasize this. Hope the summer schedule has more flights to hill stations like Shimla and Srinagar.
V
Vikram M
Removing caps right before the peak summer travel season? Timing seems suspicious. This will directly impact middle-class families planning vacations. The government should have at least waited till monsoon. "Operational exigencies" is just a fancy term for last-minute cancellations.
K
Karthik V
Transparency is the biggest issue. Even with caps, we saw dynamic pricing and hidden charges. Now without caps, airlines need to be more responsible. The DGCA must have a strong grievance redressal system for passengers when fares surge unreasonably.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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