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DGCA's Secret Watchdog: How a Tariff Unit Keeps 78 Air Routes in Check

The government has set up a special unit to keep an eye on airfares. This team randomly checks ticket prices on nearly 80 popular routes every month. While airlines are free to set their own prices, they can't charge outside the range they've already told the government about. The system aims to prevent price gouging, especially during busy times like festivals.

Key Points: DGCA Tariff Monitoring Unit Checks Airfares on 78 Routes

  • The DGCA unit monitors fares on 78 routes covering 27% of domestic traffic
  • Airlines set their own fares but must adhere to declared tariff ranges
  • Government can issue directives if airlines violate pricing rules
  • During high demand, airlines added 1,750 flights, which moderated fares
2 min read

DGCA's tariff monitoring unit keeping airfares on 78 routes in check: Minister

The DGCA's Tariff Monitoring Unit randomly checks airfares on 78 key domestic routes monthly to ensure airlines do not exceed declared price ranges.

"Further, the government proactively engages with scheduled airlines and advises them to augment capacity by deploying additional flights during festival seasons or during events causing a surge in demand. - Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol"

New Delhi, Dec 8

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set up a Tariff Monitoring Unit (TMU) that monitors airfares on selected 78 routes on a random basis by using airlines' websites on a monthly basis to ensure that the airlines do not charge airfares outside the range declared by them, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

This covers about 27 per cent of the domestic traffic. By doing so, the TMU plays a critical role in maintaining airfare levels within the boundaries of the airlines' prescribed tariffs.

The DGCA ensures that the airfare charged by the airlines remains within the boundaries of the established tariff sheets. However, in exceptional circumstances of non-adherence to Sub Rule (2) of Rule 135 of The Aircraft Rules, 1937, necessary directions are being issued to all concerned airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the Rajya Sabha.

Airfares are not subject to regulation by the government, and airlines have the flexibility to determine their airfares based on their operational needs, while adhering to Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, he said.

The pricing of airfares is subject to dynamic fluctuations influenced by the fundamental economic forces of supply and demand. Various determinants such as current seat occupancy, fuel costs, aircraft capacity, seasonal fluctuations and other relevant factors significantly impact airline ticket pricing.

"Further, the government proactively engages with scheduled airlines and advises them to augment capacity by deploying additional flights during festival seasons or during events causing a surge in demand," he said.

In October 2025, to meet high festive demand, airlines responded by augmenting flight capacities by announcing 1,750 additional flights across 100 sectors. As a result of the capacity increase, a general moderation in fares was observed across most of the sectors, the minister said.

While the government generally refrains from regulating airfares to maintain market competitiveness, however, it remains vigilant oversight role, intervening in exceptional circumstances, such as during the pandemic, Maha Kumbh, and the Pahalgam attack, in order to ensure air travel is affordable for passengers, said the minister.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Finally some action on airfares! As a frequent traveler between Delhi and Mumbai, I've seen prices double overnight. Hope this monitoring brings some transparency. The part about adding flights during festivals is crucial for middle-class families.
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Aman W
While the intent is good, I'm skeptical. "Monitoring on a random basis" sounds weak. What stops airlines from hiking fares on non-monitored days? We need a stronger mechanism, not just oversight. The market forces argument often feels like an excuse for profiteering.
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Sarah B
Interesting read. The balance between market flexibility and consumer protection is tricky. The 1,750 additional flights during festive season is a positive outcome of this engagement. Hope it continues for events like Kumbh Mela.
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Karthik V
Good move by DGCA. But 27% of domestic traffic coverage is less. They should include more tier-2 city routes. Travel from places like Jaipur, Lucknow, or Coimbatore also sees crazy price surges. The unit must be proactive, not just reactive.
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Nisha Z
As someone who books tickets for my family, this is a relief. The mention of pandemic and Pahalgam intervention is important. During crises, travel shouldn't become a luxury. Hope this system works on the ground and not just on paper. 🤞

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