No More Crazy Price Hikes? Government Airlines Move Towards Fixed Ticket Prices

If you've ever tried to book a flight ticket, you know the drill. The price you see one minute can magically change the next. Festivals, holidays, or last-minute plans can cause fares to shoot through the roof. But what if there was a system where the price for a flight from, say, Delhi to Mumbai was always the same?It sounds too good to be true, but the Indian government is taking a bold step in that direction. In a move that could be a huge relief for passengers, all government-run airlines are now introducing a "one route, one fare" policy.So, What Exactly Does This Mean?In simple terms, it means the price for a ticket on a specific route will be fixed. This new system aims to get rid of the frustrating "dynamic pricing" model, where fares change based on how many seats are left or how close you are to the travel date.This is a major shift from how most airlines operate. The goal is to bring predictability and transparency to air travel, putting an end to the days of shocking last-minute price surges. For travelers, this means you'll know exactly what you need to pay, whether you're booking months in advance or just a few days before your trip.Which Airlines Are Doing This?It's important to know that this new policy applies only to airlines owned by the central government. As of now, this includes carriers operating under the AI Assets Holding Ltd. (AIAHL) umbrella, which are:Air India ExpressAlliance AirA subsidiary helicopter serviceWhile this doesn't cover private airlines like IndiGo or Vistara (yet!), it's a significant move that could pressure the entire industry to rethink its pricing strategies.This initiative is part of a broader government effort to make air travel more accessible and passenger-friendly. By taking the lead with its own airlines, the government is sending a clear message: it's time to stop the unpredictable price games and make flying a more stable and affordable option for everyone. The big question now is, will private airlines feel the pressure to follow suit?