New Delhi, March 23 -- India's civil aviation ministry has withdrawn caps placed on domestic airfares as more expensive fuel amid the West Asia war and a weakening rupee send costs for airlines soaring. While airlines will now be able to raise airfares, the ministry has cautioned that instances of excessive surge "will be viewed seriously" and that the caps may be reintroduced or other steps taken to safeguard the public interest.

These caps had been placed in December after flight cancellations by IndiGo sent airfares soaring. But with the situation having normalized, it's welcome that this emergency measure has been withdrawn.

Pricing freedom is important for private enterprise and cost pass-throughs are sometimes inevitable. But carr...