Sky-High Fares: MPs Demand Regulation on Aviation Prices

Indian MPs have raised concerns about exorbitant airfare prices during religious events like the Maha Kumbh. Discussions in the Rajya Sabha emphasized the need for government regulation to prevent airlines from exploiting passengers by significantly hiking ticket prices, calling the practice a form of 'daylight robbery.'

In the wake of the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, airlines have come under fire for charging exorbitant airfares. Discussions in the Rajya Sabha highlighted instances where passengers were charged between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for tickets typically priced at Rs 5,000.

During debates on the 'Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025,' AAP MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak criticized aviation companies for exploiting religious events to drive up prices. Multiple members echoed these concerns, branding the price hikes as exploitative and calling for stricter fare regulations.

Trinamool Congress MP Prakash Chik Baraik and DMK's P Wilson pointed out the 40% increase in fares over two years, suggesting manipulation of demand by airlines. Even BJP MP Seema Dwivedi acknowledged occasional airfare spikes, urging the minister to investigate the underlying causes.

(With inputs from agencies.)