On December 18, 2025, Shri Imran Masood asked the Minister of Civil Aviation about the increase in airfares during festive seasons. Specifically, the query regarded the Government's awareness of airlines increasing airfares during festivals, the extent of airfare increases in October 2025 due to Diwali and other festivals, and the details of airfare for flights operating to all airports in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from January to October 2025.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, responded that a general moderation in fares was observed due to the deployment of 1750 additional flights by scheduled domestic airlines across 100 sectors during the October 2025 festival season. Airfares are not regulated by the Government, and airlines determine them based on operational needs while adhering to Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. Airfare pricing is subject to dynamic fluctuations influenced by supply and demand and other determinants. In a deregulated aviation market, the government does not control airfares, therefore, month-wise data is not being maintained for flights to various airports and cities in the country.
Key Entities Referenced
Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937: A rule within the Aircraft Rules, 1937, that airlines must adhere to when determining airfares.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The government ministry responsible for civil aviation in India, answering the parliamentary question.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Two states of India, explicitly mentioned regarding flight airfare details.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3068
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18th December 2025 )
INCREASE IN AIRFARE DURING FESTIVE SEASONS
3068. SHRI IMRAN MASOOD
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware that airlines significantly increase airfares during festivals
making it difficult for the general public to avail air services during such periods and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) the extent to which airfare was increased in October 2025 on account of Diwali and other festivals
as compared to normal days; and
(c) the details of airfare for flights operating to all airports in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from January to
October 2025?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a) to (c): A general moderation in fares was observed across most of the sectors due to deployment of
1750 additional flights by scheduled domestic airlines across 100 sectors in the country during the
festival season in October, 2025 to meet the high demand due to proactive engagement by the
Government.;
;
Airfares are not subject to regulation by the Government and airlines have the flexibility to determine
their airfares based on their operational needs, while adhering to Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The pricing of airfares is subject to dynamic fluctuations influenced by the fundamental economic
forces of supply and demand. Various determinants such as current seat occupancy, fuel costs, aircraft
capacity, seasonal fluctuations and other relevant factors significantly impact airline ticket pricing.;
;
In a deregulated aviation market, where the government does not control airfares, the month wise data
is not being maintained for flights to various airports and cities in the country.
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