Can’t expect normal free market principles in crisis situation: CCI chief on capping of airfares

Amid the civil aviation ministry temporarily capping airfares, Competition Commission Chairperson Ashok Kumar Gupta has said it would be inappropriate to expect and apply normal principles of free market during the crisis situation due to COVID-19.

His comments come at a time when there are temporary caps and floors on air ticket prices after domestic flight services resumed on May 25.

Flights were suspended from March 25 due to the nationwide lockdown to curb the spreading of coronavirus infections. International flights are yet to commence operations.

In an e-mail interview, Gupta said all regulators are addressing the situation arising out of COVID-19 appropriately through suitable actions.