Airfare Skyrocketing! Supreme Court Takes Strict Action on Uncontrolled Prices, Issues Notice to Centre
Airfare Regulation: Air travel is becoming increasingly unaffordable for ordinary Indians due to algorithm-driven fare fluctuations and reduced baggage allowances. In response to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging this situation, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the central government and aviation regulators.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has directed the Centre, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) to respond within four weeks. The petition was filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan. The court will take up the matter for hearing after four weeks.
Opaque Pricing and Passenger Hardship
Arguing for the petitioner, senior advocates Ravindra Srivastava and Darpan Wadhwa contended that “airfare can double or even triple within hours” due to opaque dynamic pricing mechanisms. This disproportionately harms patients, students, and migrant workers who often cannot plan their travel well in advance.
The plea highlighted that during crises like the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage, ticket prices surged “four to six times within hours.” For instance, fares from Srinagar to Delhi reportedly shot up to Rs 65,000 from the usual Rs 6,000-8,000. “When citizens are compelled to travel by air due to emergencies, allowing such exploitative pricing is a direct assault on the right to life,” the petition stated.
Air Travel as an Essential Service
The petition argues that air travel is recognized as an essential service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act and thus requires regulatory oversight, similar to railways, electricity, and healthcare. It contends that leaving pricing entirely to market forces violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to equality and life with dignity.
Challenge to Reduced Baggage Allowance
The PIL also challenges the unilateral decision by airlines to reduce the free check-in baggage allowance for economy passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg. Calling it a 40 percent reduction, the petition claims it forces travellers to pay up to Rs 6,000 extra for the lost 10 kg. “No authority has the power to review or cap airfares or ancillary fees,” the plea noted, allowing airlines to convert standard services into revenue streams.
Citing a Rajya Sabha Standing Committee report from March 2025, the petitioner urged the court to direct the creation of an independent aviation tariff and consumer protection commission. This proposed body would have quasi-judicial powers to monitor fare structures, adjudicate grievances, and impose penalties. The petition seeks the enforcement of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, and the restoration of the 25 kg baggage allowance.
