Air travel in India no longer feels affordable for the middle class. A simple domestic flight often costs more than a short international trip. You end up paying steep fares just to move between states, even when travel is unavoidable for work or family reasons.
Expensive Short-Haul Routes Shock Passengers
A one-hour trip from Mumbai to Bengaluru often costs ₹30,000 to ₹40,000. During weekends, festivals, or emergencies, prices rise further. You have little choice but to pay, because alternative train schedules rarely match urgent travel needs.
Flight Cancellations Deepen the Crisis
The recent IndiGo disruption exposed how fragile domestic air travel has become. Mass cancellations over several days left thousands stranded. You faced long queues, zero updates, and rising stress as travel plans collapsed.
Major Cities Faced the Worst Impact
Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, and Chennai saw the highest number of cancellations. Rebooking meant paying shocking prices on other airlines. Some tickets touched lakh-level amounts. You paid more even when the flight disruption was not your fault.
Monopoly Concerns Over IndiGo and Air India
Many travellers now blame IndiGo and Air India for dominating the domestic market. When only two players control most routes, prices spiral. You feel the impact every time demand rises or supply drops unexpectedly.
Government Introduces Fare Cap Slabs
To contain the issue, authorities announced airfare limits based on travel distance. Routes under 500 km fall at ₹7,500. Flights between 500 to 1000 km are capped at ₹12,000. The next slab goes to ₹15,000, while longer trips cost up to ₹18,000.
Ground Reality Tells a Different Story
Even after the announcement, airlines continue charging above the stated limits. You see little change at checkout pages. The policy looks promising, but enforcement remains weak. Without strict action, capped fares stay on paper.
