Supreme Court seeks reply from govt, others on plea against abrupt airfare hikes

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) on a plea seeking clear rules and an independent regulator to curb unpredictable airfares and extra charges by private airlines.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the government and others on a public interest litigation by S Laxminarayanan, a social activist, alleging that unchecked and opaque airline practices such as abrupt fare increases, fewer services, inadequate grievance redressal, and unfair algorithm-driven pricing, are infringing upon citizens' fundamental rights to equality, freedom of movement, and a life with dignity.

"In a constitutional republic governed by rule of law, the state can't remain a mute spectator to this ongoing violation of rights. Inaction by the state in regulating fare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity, and grievance mechanisms constitutes a dereliction of its constitutional duty and calls for urgent judicial intervention," plea read.


The court posted the matter for further hearing on December 19. Laxminarayanan said air travel is frequently becoming the only fast and practical mode of travel in urgent or challenging circumstances for employees and residents in remote or challenging-to-reach areas.

Airlines freely take advantage of shortages and high demand, which is an unreasonable practice for a necessary service, said the petitioner. Consequently, passengers frequently witness fares skyrocket within minutes of booking and there are no rules in place currently restricting demand-based hikes, said the petitioner. Laxminarayanan also claimed private airlines have unjustly cut free check-in baggage allowance for economy passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg, a 40% reduction, turning a standard ticket inclusion into an additional source of income.