IndiGo crisis: Air India, Air India Express caps fares for economy tickets, to give refunds for differential amounts

In a post on social media, Indian airlines Air India and Air India Express said they have introduced fees set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in their booking systems for economy class tickets.

According to the official Air India account on X (formerly known as Twitter), the airline will also provide refunds for different amounts for those who paid higher during the transition period.

“Important Update: In line with the directive issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on the upper limit of Economy Class base fares on the evening of December 6, Air India Group has immediately started implementing the new prescribed fares in its booking systems,” the airline said.

Wage caps, refunds on differences: What we know

“Air India Express continues to phase in the fare caps, which will come into full force in the next few hours, while Air India Express completes the implementation across its systems,” he added.

“As the process involves third-party system dependencies, a phased deployment is required to ensure accuracy and stability without disrupting guest reservations,” according to the airline.

Regarding the refund of differential amounts, Air India added: “Guests who may have booked Air India flights in Economy Class during the transition period at base fares above the prescribed ceilings are entitled to a refund of differential amounts.”

‘Proactive measures’: Here’s what Air India and Air India Express are putting in place

Air India and Air India Express have announced a number of proactive measures to help stranded people reach their destinations. In addition to capping fares and refunding differences in amounts, the airline has also introduced a special change or cancellation fee waiver for eligible domestic bookings.