India caps airfares as IndiGo crisis leaves hundreds stranded

Bangkok Post Group

India capped airfares on Saturday as hundreds of passengers gathered outside Bengaluru and Mumbai airports after IndiGo canceled 385 flights. It was the fifth day of a crisis at the country's biggest airline that has crippled air travel. - REUTERS

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00:01India capped airfares on Saturday as hundreds remained stranded at Bengaluru and Mumbai airports.

00:08That's as Indigo cancelled 385 flights on the fifth day of a crisis that has crippled air travel.

00:15The country's biggest airline cancelled thousands of flights this week due to a shortage of pilots.

00:20It had failed to plan adequately for new rules limiting pilots' work hours.

00:24The government on Friday announced special rule exemptions for the carrier, which faces its worst challenge yet.

00:30Pilot unions strongly oppose India relieving Indigo from pilot safety norms.

00:35With Indigo's spate of cancellations, fares rose on flights operated by other airlines.

00:40The government said it was capping fares to maintain pricing discipline.

00:44New Delhi said a one-way fare for a journey up to 310 miles must be no more than $83.

00:49For journeys up to around 930 miles, it should be capped at $167.

00:55That's well under the $227 price Air India advertised for its Delhi to Mumbai flight on Saturday, which falls into that category.

01:04Indigo has over 60% market share in the world's most populous country and prioritises punctual performance and lower fares.

01:11The airline said it could return to normal operations between December 10th and 15th.

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