The Indian government has allowed airlines to increase passenger capacity to 85% of pre-Covid flights, from 72.5%, saying they will monitor and regulate last-minute airfares for flights up to 15 days from the date of booking. This brings a wave of relief for domestic passengers who wish to travel amidst the festive season that begins 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. 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” said a government order issued on 18th September.
