In News:

The Government of India has launched the ‘Fare Se Fursat’ Fixed Airfare Scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing predictable and transparent airfares on select regional routes. Introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the scheme reflects the government’s continued push to democratize air travel and enhance regional connectivity.

About the Scheme

• Launched by: Ministry of Civil Aviation & Alliance Air
• Purpose: To eliminate uncertainty associated with fluctuating airfares and promote ease of flying.
• Key Feature:Single, fixed ticket price irrespective of booking date — even for same-day travel.
• Pilot Phase:
  • 13 October – 31 December 2025
  • Operated on select regional routes
• Airline: Alliance Air, India's government-owned regional carrier

Objective & Rationale

• Address dynamic pricing concerns: Indian aviation typically follows dynamic pricing based on demand and seasonality, often causing high last-minute fares.
• Make air travel accessible: Inspired by the UDAN scheme, the initiative targets middle-class, lower-middle-class, and neo-middle-class passengers, especially from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Increase first-time flyers: The scheme aims to build confidence among new travelers by offering predictable fares, reducing financial anxiety linked to last-minute price surges.

Significance

• Supports UDAN (UdeDesh ka AamNagrik) vision of affordable regional connectivity.
• Strengthens last-mile aviation by enabling easier travel from smaller towns.
• Reinforces government's push for passenger-centric aviation policies (e.g., affordable airport cafés launched earlier under UDAN Yatri services).
• Promotes air travel as an everyday mode of transportation, not a luxury.

Why It Matters

• Predictability: Removes uncertainty in ticket prices, encouraging travel planning.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Bridges regional air travel gaps and widens aviation access to new socio-economic groups.
• Public-service Focus: Prioritizes passenger welfare over profit maximization, aligning with the vision of “Naye Bharat ki Udaan”.