Diwali Travel Relief: DGCA Unleashes 1,700 New Flights to Tame Sky-High Airfares

As the festive fervor of Diwali approaches, millions of Indians eagerly anticipate reconnecting with loved ones, often requiring extensive travel. However, this joyous occasion has historically been marred by a predictable and frustrating challenge: exorbitant airfares. In a much-welcomed move, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has stepped in decisively to alleviate this burden, ordering airlines to dramatically increase flight capacity across the nation.

The DGCA has issued a crucial directive, instructing all scheduled airlines to add an astounding 1,700 flights daily to their existing schedules.

This significant expansion is slated to run from October 25th through November 30th, strategically covering the peak travel periods for both Diwali, celebrated on October 31st, and the subsequent Chhath Puja on November 6th. The mandate aims to inject much-needed capacity into the Indian skies, directly addressing the anticipated surge in passenger demand during these auspicious festivals.

This proactive intervention by the DGCA is a direct response to the recurring issue of airfare spikes that plague travelers during peak seasons.

With demand far outstripping supply, airlines often implement dynamic pricing models, leading to fares that can be several times higher than usual. Such inflated prices can turn festive travel plans into a significant financial strain for many families, dampening the spirit of celebration.

The directive applies broadly to both domestic and, where feasible, international routes, although the primary focus remains on bolstering domestic connectivity.

Airlines are now required to swiftly submit their revised flight schedules and capacity enhancement plans to the DGCA for immediate approval. This ensures that the additional flights are efficiently integrated into the national aviation network, providing tangible relief to passengers.

For years, the issue of escalating airfares during holidays has been a contentious point, drawing criticism from passengers and prompting government scrutiny.

The DGCA’s latest move underscores its commitment to ensuring fair and accessible travel options for all citizens, especially during times of heightened national importance and family gatherings. By mandating this substantial increase in flight operations, the regulator hopes to stabilize prices, introduce more competitive options, and make air travel during Diwali a less stressful and more affordable experience.

The success of this initiative will largely depend on the swift and effective implementation by airlines.

Travelers can now look forward to potentially more options and, hopefully, more reasonable fares, allowing them to focus on the joy of the festivals rather than the strain of travel costs. This bold step by the DGCA is a testament to its dedication to consumer welfare, aiming to light up the festive season not just with lamps, but also with accessible journeys home.