AI-Powered 'AirPrice Guardian' to Revolutionize Airfare Monitoring

A parliamentary panel recommends a new AI-driven airfare pricing regulation mechanism to tackle exploitative pricing. The proposal includes empowering DGCA with more authority, developing the 'AirPrice Guardian' system, and creating a mobile app, 'Airfare Vigil', to monitor and report arbitrary airfare pricing practices.

A parliamentary panel has called for stringent AI-driven airfare pricing regulation to combat exploitative practices, citing the current system's inadequacy. The report, titled 'Demands for Grants (2025-26) Of Ministry of Civil Aviation,' recommends empowering the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with quasi-judicial authority to impose temporary price caps and penalize non-compliant airlines.

The panel, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, proposes an AI system, 'AirPrice Guardian,' to use machine learning for monitoring airfares. This system aims to address consumer grievances over exorbitant prices, forecast airfare trends, and ensure pricing fairness. It will also involve creating a mobile app, 'Airfare Vigil,' for citizens to report instances of arbitrary airfare pricing.

Scheduled for an 18-24 month rollout, the initiative aims to align with regional connectivity schemes and encourage public participation. The committee emphasizes reallocating underused funds to finance the system, believing it will strengthen India's aviation innovation and consumer protection standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)