With the festive season approaching, families across the country are preparing for holiday travel, which usually causes a surge in airline ticket prices. To tackle this issue, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reassured the public that the government is actively monitoring airfare trends to prevent excessive hikes during this period.

Naidu emphasized that it’s essential for airlines to keep ticket prices reasonable during festivals, as many people are eager to travel home. His comments came amid growing concerns over rising airfares, particularly with challenges currently affecting the aviation industry, such as ongoing disruptions at SpiceJet Airlines.

Speaking at the India Regional Air Mobility Conference, Naidu outlined the government’s strategic vision for Indian aviation. He revealed plans to expand the country's aviation infrastructure significantly, with over 1,200 new aircraft on order and the development of 350 to 400 new airports, all aimed at positioning India as a major global aviation hub by 2035. However, the current focus remains on managing ticket prices during the holiday season to ensure travelers are not burdened with high costs.

While discussing the seasonal fare increases, the Civil Aviation Minister clarified that although the government is monitoring ticket prices, it will not impose restrictions on airlines. Instead, the ministry aims to strike a balance where passengers can travel comfortably without facing unnecessary financial strain.

This issue arises as the aviation industry faces turbulence, with SpiceJet Airlines grappling with financial difficulties, grounded aircraft, and legal challenges. Naidu confirmed that the government is closely observing the situation at SpiceJet, which is seeking additional funding to stabilize its operations.

Looking ahead, Naidu reaffirmed the government's commitment to bolstering the aviation sector, noting that substantial investments in infrastructure are being made to secure India's future as a global leader in aviation. "We are laying the groundwork today to build the aviation market of tomorrow," he added, stressing the importance of creating a robust network of airports to support the sector's projected growth.