June 13, 2025 | The Quick Update News
In a deeply concerning development following the tragic Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, airlines have hiked airfares to and from the city by over 500%, raising serious ethical and humanitarian questions. While families of the deceased and injured rush to Ahmedabad in grief and urgency, airline carriers—ironically including Air India itself—are charging unusually high ticket prices during this period of mourning.
Massive Fare Hike Amid National Tragedy
The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved Air India Flight AI-171, a London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, killing 241 passengers, including foreign nationals and 12 crew members. As families scramble to reach Ahmedabad for DNA identification of the charred bodies, flight prices have spiked beyond affordability.
According to fare trackers and booking portals:
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Delhi–Ahmedabad:
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Regular fare: ₹2,800 – ₹4,300
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June 15 lowest fare: ₹10,675 (Akasa Air)
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June 15 highest fare: ₹24,027 (Air India)
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June 16 fare: ₹30,780 (Air India) – nearly 999% hike
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Return fare on June 20: ₹25,118
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Mumbai–Ahmedabad:
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Regular fare: ₹2,000 – ₹4,500
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June 15 fare: ₹5,449
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June 16–17 (IndiGo): ₹5,504
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June 19 (Air India): ₹9,198
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Ahmedabad–Mumbai return: ₹6,661 (June 15–16)
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This sharp surge in airfares is being seen as a profit-driven response to increased demand due to the influx of victims’ families, emergency responders, journalists, and officials arriving in Ahmedabad.
Air India Among Highest Fare Chargers
Air India, the national carrier and operator of the ill-fated aircraft, has come under fire for charging the highest fares during this tragedy. On June 16, Air India tickets from Delhi to Ahmedabad are priced at nearly ₹31,000, despite being at the center of the crash investigation and public outrage.
Dynamic Pricing or Opportunism?
A travel industry expert told The Free Press Journal:
“Airlines apply dynamic pricing based on demand. In this case, the demand is driven by a tragic event. The airlines are capitalizing on the increased volume of passengers such as relatives, media, and officials—turning a crisis into a business opportunity.”
The expert adds that no government advisory or fare cap has been imposed yet for emergency travel in such national tragedies, leaving consumers at the mercy of airline algorithms.
Public Outrage & Call for Regulation
This exploitative pricing has sparked public backlash, with many calling for intervention by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. Netizens on social media are tagging @MoCA_GoI and @airindiain, demanding price caps during emergencies, especially for bereaved families.
FAQs: Ahmedabad Plane Crash & Airfare Hike After AI-171 Tragedy
Q1. What happened in the Air India AI-171 Ahmedabad crash?
A: On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, tragically crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers, including 12 crew members and several foreign nationals.
Q2. Why have flight fares to and from Ahmedabad increased after the crash?
A: Airlines have increased airfares by over 500% due to a sudden surge in demand from relatives of victims, government officials, and media personnel traveling to Ahmedabad. This demand-driven pricing is part of a “dynamic fare system” used by most airlines.
Q3. Is Air India also charging high fares despite being the airline involved in the crash?
A: Yes, Air India has been reported to charge some of the highest fares, with prices going up to ₹30,780 for a one-way ticket from Delhi to Ahmedabad, drawing public criticism and allegations of profiteering during a national tragedy.
Q4. What are the usual airfares for routes to Ahmedabad?
A:
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Delhi–Ahmedabad: Normally ranges between ₹2,800 to ₹4,300
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Mumbai–Ahmedabad: Usually ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,500
During the post-crash period, these fares have shot up by 200%–999%.
Q5. Are any measures being taken to control airfare hikes in this crisis?
A: As of now, there is no official government directive or cap on airfares for routes to Ahmedabad. However, growing public backlash may prompt the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA to consider emergency fare controls.
Q6. Why is there a surge in travel to Ahmedabad after the crash?
A: Family members and next of kin of the deceased are traveling to Ahmedabad to give DNA samples for identification, attend last rites, or provide assistance. Media, rescue teams, and officials are also being deployed, creating heavy traffic on major air routes.
Q7. What can travelers do if they are being overcharged?
A: Passengers facing unreasonable fare hikes can:
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File a complaint on AirSewa
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Tag @DGCAIndia and @MoCA_GoI on social media
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Contact the airline’s customer service to check if emergency assistance fares are available
Q8. Are refund or compensation policies applicable for emergency situations like this?
A: Airlines typically do not offer special refunds or discounts unless directed by regulatory bodies. However, under extreme circumstances, passengers may request flexible rescheduling or partial refunds, especially if related to a national emergency.
Q9. Is it ethical for airlines to hike prices in such situations?
A: While airlines claim it’s due to dynamic pricing, critics argue that it is insensitive and exploitative during a humanitarian crisis. Many urge for regulated pricing models for travel during disasters or mass casualties.
Q10. How can authorities ensure affordable travel during such crises?
A: Government intervention through temporary price caps, dedicated emergency flights at capped rates, or state-sponsored travel assistance for affected families are possible solutions. Public pressure may accelerate policy decisions.
