Domestic airfares capped to prevent demand-supply price spike, says Air India

Air India and Air India Express have clarified that they have capped economy class fares on all nonstop domestic flights since December 4 2025The move was taken to prevent fare hikes that usually occur through revenue management systems when demand increases suddenly an official statement saidThe airlines said they were aware of screenshots circulating online that showed very high lastminute fares for journeys involving onestop or twostop routes or combinations of economy premium economy and business class They explained that it is not technically possible to cap every such route or mixedclass itinerary especially those displayed on thirdparty booking platforms However the airlines confirmed they are engaging with these platforms to ensure better monitoring and oversightA spokesperson said that both Air India and Air India Express are working to add more capacity so that the travellers and their baggage can reach their destinations as quickly as possibleAir India amp Air India Express clarify that since 4 December economy class airfares on nonstop domestic flights have been proactively capped to prevent the usual demandandsupply mechanism being applied by revenue management systems We are aware of screenshots of lastminute itineraries with onestop or twostop flights or a combination of economy and premium economy or business cabins taken from third party platforms It is not technically possible to cap all such permutations but we are engaging such platforms to exercise oversight Air India and Air India Express are seeking to add capacity to help travellers and their baggage reach their destinations as quickly as possible an Air India spokesperson saidThe airlines also announced a series of measures to support passengers affected by the widespread travel disruptions across the countryThe airlines said the steps are aimed at helping stranded travellers reach their destinations as smoothly as possibleTo offer passengers more flexibility the airlines have introduced a onetime waiver of change or cancellation fees This applies to customers who booked their domestic Air India or Air India Express tickets on or before December 4 for travel until December 15 2025They may reschedule their travel without paying rescheduling fees fare difference may apply or cancel their tickets and receive a full refund with no cancellation charges it saidThe waiver is valid for changes or cancellations made until 8 December 2025 Passengers may contact the 24x7 call centres or their travel agents Air India Express customers can also use its chatbot Tia via WhatsApp the website mobile app and Facebook MessengerBoth airlines have deployed more staff to manage high call volumes and reduce waiting times Air India 91 11 6932 9333 andAir India Express 91 124 443 5600 91 124 693 5600 an official statement saidThe airlines also said they are using every available seat to help stranded travellers Where possible eligible Economy passengers may be upgraded at no extra cost Additional flights are also being operated on key routes to clear backlogs and ensure passengersmdashand their baggagemdashreach their destinations quicklyIt said that Air India and Air India Express confirmed that students senior citizens armed forces personnel and their dependents will continue to receive special discounted fares These concessions may allow eligible passengers to book fares even lower than the capped economy rates