IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Refuse to Disclose Airfares Data as Regulator

India's leading airlines have reportedly refused to share airfare data requested by the country's aviation regulator, raising concerns among policymakers about consumer protection in a consolidating market. The Federation of Indian Airlines, which includes major carriers like IndiGo, Air India Group, and SpiceJet, expressed in a letter dated March 11 that disclosing fare information could expose them to strategic risks and competitive disadvantages.

This refusal complicates the government's efforts to enhance fare monitoring, particularly following the merger of Air India and Vistara last year, which has further solidified the dominance of IndiGo and the Air India Group. Together, these two entities now control over 90% of India's domestic aviation market, giving them substantial power over pricing strategies.

Policymakers are increasingly concerned that the lack of transparency in airfare data could lead to unfair pricing practices, especially in a market where competition is already limited. The consolidation of airlines has raised alarms about potential monopolistic behavior, making it crucial for regulators to have access to fare information to protect consumer interests.

As the situation unfolds, the tension between the airlines and the government highlights the challenges of balancing commercial interests with the need for consumer protection in an evolving aviation landscape. The outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for both the airlines and the traveling public in India.

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