Civil Aviation Ministry Analyses Surge In Airfares On Routes Affected By Go First Flight Suspension

The civil aviation ministry is currently conducting an analysis of routes that have experienced a surge in airfares as a result of the suspension of flights by Go First.

According to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the ongoing Go First crisis has created an unusual situation, leading to increased demand on the routes previously served by the airline.

Go First has been grounded since May 3 while it goes through an insolvency resolution process. This circumstance has forced the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the impact on airfares and the wider aviation scene.

"We have given additional routes to other airlines but it is a piquant situation... I doubt any other sector has seen the vicissitudes that civil aviation has seen in the last three years," he said while speaking at a conclave.

"... I have put together a group in the last couple of days and we are doing an analysis of a lot of those routes... That have been affected by this unusual event (Go First crisis). One is Srinagar, Pune, slightly Ahmedabad, we are doing a full analysis on that... We will speak to airlines to make sure fares are within a certain level... It is an issue created by an unforeseen demand-supply imbalance," he said in response to a query related to high airfares on certain routes.

He also stated that civil aviation is a non-regulated industry. Scindia commented on lessors wanting to reclaim planes leased to Go First and legal procedures in this regard, saying, "We are doing the work from the regulatory side in terms of putting together the international framework to ensure that lessors are also well protected." While discussing the country's civil aviation sector's growth potential, the minister also stated that during the festive season, daily domestic air passenger traffic may reach 5 lakh. Scindia, when asked if he is running for chief minister in Madhya Pradesh, which will hold elections later this year, replied it is not a race for a chair, office, or position.

"I am ambitious for my people, development, progress... My pursuit is not politics," he emphasised.