India's Supreme Court has set a hard deadline: the government must submit final rules on airline fare regulation by November 16, 2026. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the rules are expected to be published soon. The civil aviation sector has faced criticism over sharp price spikes, especially during peak travel periods. Now the regulator has a clear timeline.
What's changing and who it affects
While the specific provisions of the rules are not yet public, the Supreme Court's intervention signals that the government intends to more actively oversee airline pricing. This could affect both domestic flights within India and international routes if the rules touch on fees and surcharges. For passengers booking tickets online, especially from abroad, any changes in fares will directly impact the final amount charged to their card.
Fares and payment: what we know now
As of publication, exact figures for new fares have not been announced. Airlines operating in the Indian market typically accept Visa and Mastercard issued both in India and abroad. However, payments with foreign cards may incur a currency conversion fee (usually 1–3% depending on the issuing bank). Virtual cards, such as those from VirtCardPay, help bypass restrictions of some payment gateways that do not accept cards from your country.
Ticket prices vary by season, destination, and airline. For example, a domestic flight within India can cost from 3,000 to 15,000 rupees (approximately $35–180 USD at October 2026 exchange rates), while international flights start from 20,000 rupees and up. Check exact fares on airline or aggregator websites.
How to pay for a flight with a virtual card: step by step
- Choose a booking service. This could be an airline website (Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet) or an aggregator (MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Skyscanner). Make sure the service accepts cards from your region.
- Issue a virtual card. In your VirtCardPay account, create a Visa or Mastercard with the desired currency (USD, EUR, INR). Top up with a buffer — 5–10% above the ticket price to cover possible fees.
- Enter the card details on the website. Provide the card number, expiry date, and CVV. If the site requires an Indian address, you can use a hotel address or a intermediary service, but this may violate the service's terms.
- Confirm the payment. Some banks require 3-D Secure. Ensure your virtual number supports SMS or in-app confirmation.
- Save the receipt. After successful payment, check your email — the ticket and receipt will be sent there.
How much to keep on balance and what to do if declined
It's recommended to keep enough funds on the virtual card to cover the full ticket price plus possible conversion fees (up to 3%) and payment system charges. If a payment is declined, check:
- whether there are sufficient funds including fees;
- whether the card supports payment in the required currency;
- whether the issuing bank is blocking the transaction due to fraud suspicion (contact VirtCardPay support to unblock);
- whether the website accepts foreign-issued cards (sometimes an Indian BIN is required).
If declined, try another card or payment system. Some aggregators also offer payment via e-wallets, but this may require a local phone number.
What this means for travelers
New rules could lead to either stricter price controls or additional fees. Passengers should pay closer attention to the total amount at checkout and review refund policies in advance. Virtual cards remain a convenient tool for paying for international flights, especially when bank cards from your country are not accepted directly.
FAQ
Can I pay for Indian airline tickets with a Russian card?
Direct payment with Mir or Visa/Mastercard issued in Russia is often unavailable due to sanctions. Use virtual cards from foreign issuers, such as VirtCardPay.
What is the fee for paying with a virtual card?
VirtCardPay charges fees for issuance and top-up according to the service's tariffs. Additionally, the issuing bank may charge a conversion percentage if the card currency differs from the payment currency.
What if the payment doesn't go through?
Check your balance, limits, and card support on the website. If the problem persists, contact VirtCardPay support and try another payment method.
Service names, games, and franchises are the property of their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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