Delhi High Court criticises government over IndiGo flight chaos, demands passenger compensation

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, December 10, reprimanded the central government over the widespread cancellations and delays of IndiGo flights. The court asked why such a situation was allowed to escalate into nationwide unrest, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded and causing huge losses to the national economy.

While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for an independent judicial inquiry, a bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that the crisis went beyond passenger inconvenience, impacting the nation’s economy as well.

"We appreciate the steps taken by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). However, what bothers us is how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leaving lakhs of passengers unattended at airports. Such a situation is not confined to causing inconvenience to the passengers but also affects the economy of the country, as in the present day, fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning," the CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench observed in its order.

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The Delhi High Court, during the hearing, asked the Centre to clarify the legal provisions available to take action against the erring airlines.

Referring to powers vested in the DGCA and the Centre under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, the bench asked: "In case an airline fails to adhere to directions, what is the provision available to you? Are you helpless? We want to know under which provision or policy decision you would take action against them?"

In response, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the central government, said that a high-level committee had been constituted and the DGCA had issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, for which IndiGo had "profusely apologised". The law officer further said that the fare cap was imposed within two days of the crisis starting. However, the Delhi High Court noted that by then the ticket prices had already risen to Rs 30-40,000.

"If there was a crisis, how could other airlines take advantage? How was this allowed?" it asked.

On the other hand, senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, appearing for IndiGo. He said that this disruption was the first time in the airline's 19 years of operations and it was caused by "multiple factors", including technical problems.

Directing strict adherence to the DGCA's compensation rules, the Delhi High Court said Indigo must "immediately" begin compensating passengers, adding that compensation should not be limited to cancellations but must account for the "agony caused by hostile staff and prolonged delays".

Taking note of the inadequacies in the PIL, the bench headed by the Chief Justice remarked that it was exercising its jurisdiction in view of the public interest involved in it. The matter will be heard next on January 22, 2026, with the high court directing that the inquiry report, if ready, be placed before it in a sealed cover.

With IANS Inputs