Supreme Court flags sharp airfare disparities, calls for rationalisation of ticket prices

The Supreme Court of India on Friday expressed concern over the sharp and inconsistent rise in air ticket prices, observing that there should be some “rationalisation” in fares charged by private airlines. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulatory guidelines to address unpredictable fluctuations in airfare, especially during festive seasons and holidays.

Supreme Court flags concern over rising airfares

A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta highlighted the disparity in ticket prices on the same route, citing instances where one airline charged around Rs 8,000 while another charged Rs 18,000 for economy class on the same day.

“Try to give some relief to people. On the same day, flights to the same destination—one airline charges Rs 8,000 while another charges Rs 18,000 in economy class. There has to be some rationalisation,” the Bench observed during the hearing.

Centre cites Bhartiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024

The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, informed the court that the issue of airfare volatility was being addressed under the newly enacted Bhartiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. He submitted that rules under the law were currently under consultation and being framed, and that all relevant aspects would be considered.

“The rules are in the process of consultation. We will consider all the aspects,” the Solicitor General stated, adding that the resolution would come through statutory mechanisms.

DGCA submission and enforcement stand

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) also informed the court that regulatory directions were being issued where required. However, the petitioner argued that existing rules already empowered the regulator to act against predatory or excessive pricing, alleging that there was a failure in enforcement.

PIL challenges airline pricing practices

The PIL, filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, has challenged what it describes as “opaque, exploitative and algorithm-driven” pricing practices in the aviation sector. It has also raised concerns over reduced complimentary check-in baggage allowances and sharp fare hikes during peak travel periods.

SC declines interim relief

The petitioner sought interim directions from the court, citing instances of airfare increases of up to 300 per cent during holidays. However, the Supreme Court declined to pass any interim order, noting that the matter required a broader policy approach.

“It’s a lifelong purpose. It’s not like you filed this writ petition only for summer vacations,” the Bench remarked orally, declining immediate relief.

The court granted the petitioner one week to respond to the counter affidavit filed by the DGCA and listed the matter for further hearing on July 13. Earlier, the Centre had informed the court that the issue of volatile airfares and additional charges was under examination at the highest level of policymaking.