With the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stepping in on Tuesday evening, SpiceJet was forced to withdraw its promotional fare scheme, which offered passengers a chance to travel at a base fare of ₹1.
The actual cost of travel would have been more as a traveller also has to pay statutory levies (such as airport departure taxes), fuel surcharge and other fees. However, those who made their bookings before the DGCA directive will be able to travel on the discounted tickets. Sources said that the DGCA felt that by pricing the ticket at ₹1, the airline was selling its tickets below cost, which was a predatory practice. In a communication to the airline, the DGCA said the decision of one seat at ₹1 was deceiving the public.