Festival Fare Spikes ‘Exploitative’, India SC Signals Curbs on Airlines

The Supreme Court described unpredictable surges in airfares -- particularly during festivals and peak travel periods -- as “exploitative”, and indicated it may step in to regulate airline pricing practices.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a public interest litigation seeking binding guidelines to rein in erratic airfare pricing and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines. The petition argues that opaque, algorithm-driven pricing and weak grievance redressal mechanisms violate citizens’ fundamental rights.

Flagging sharp fare increases during religious gatherings, Justice Mehta said passengers were being openly exploited. Citing routes such as Delhi–Prayagraj and Delhi–Jodhpur, he noted that fares during events like the Kumbh Mela had risen to nearly three times the normal levels. “We will definitely interfere,” he told Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing for the Centre.

The court had earlier, on November 17, sought responses from the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) on the plea filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan. The petition calls for an independent regulator to ensure transparency in airfare setting and stronger consumer safeguards across the aviation sector.

On Monday, the Centre sought more time to file its response, which the Bench allowed, posting the matter for further hearing on February 23.

In a lighter moment during the hearing, Justice Mehta remarked that while fares to Ahmedabad appeared stable, prices to destinations such as Jodhpur had surged, drawing a smile from those present in court.

The plea contends that the absence of any authority empowered to review or cap airfares enables airlines to impose hidden fees and unpredictable pricing, disproportionately affecting economically weaker passengers who are often forced to travel during peak periods. It argues that arbitrary fare hikes, especially during emergencies, undermine the constitutional right to equality, freedom of movement and a life of dignity, warranting urgent judicial intervention.

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