A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture has proposed a mobile application, “Airfare Vigil,” modeled on the Election Commission’s cVIGIL app, to empower citizens to report instances of arbitrary and exploitative airfare pricing.
Key Features of “Airfare Vigil” App:
✅ Citizens can upload screenshots of ticket prices with contextual details.
✅ Real-time geo-tagging for accurate tracking.
✅ Automated complaint tracking with a unique ID for transparency.
✅ Time-bound resolution mechanism to ensure swift action.
✅ Safeguards against misuse, filtering duplicate or frivolous complaints.
✅ Option for anonymous submissions to encourage wider participation.
The app will be integrated with an AI-powered system called “AirPrice Guardian,” which will use predictive analytics to identify exploitative pricing patterns.
AI-Powered “AirPrice Guardian” System for Dynamic Airfare Monitoring
The Committee also recommended an AI-powered airfare monitoring system, tentatively named “AirPrice Guardian.”
Functions of AirPrice Guardian:
🔹 Uses machine learning algorithms to forecast airfare trends based on:
- Historical data
- Demand patterns
- Fuel costs
- Seasonal fluctuations
- External factors like festivals and emergencies
🔹 Establishes dynamic fare bands for each route, updated quarterly.
🔹 Allows real-time monitoring of fare deviations.
🔹 Empowers DGCA with quasi-judicial authority to impose temporary price caps or penalties on airlines engaging in price exploitation.
The Committee observed that the current DGCA framework lacks proactive mechanisms to regulate airfare surges, especially during peak travel periods and emergencies.
Recent Cases Fueling Demand for Regulation
🚨 Lisa Ray vs. Air India: The Indian-Canadian actor slammed Air India for denying her a medical waiver on a canceled ticket.
🚨 Neglect of Elderly Passenger: A family accused Air India of failing to provide a pre-booked wheelchair for an 82-year-old grandmother, leaving her injured after collapsing at Delhi Airport.
These incidents highlight the need for better regulation and consumer protection in India’s aviation sector.
The Parliamentary Panel’s recommendations aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in airline pricing while empowering passengers to report grievances effectively.