Supreme Court Calls For Airfare Rationalisation, Asks Centre To Protect Flyers From High Costs

The Supreme Court of India noted a significant disparity in the ticket prices of airlines operating on the same routes on the same day, and expressed concerns regarding it. Hearing the petition on May 15, 2026, the Court requested the government to rationalise air fares and offer much-awaited respite to travellers.

Observing that on a particular day, one airline may charge Rs 8,000 for an economy seat on a particular sector, while another demands Rs 18,000 for a similar flight, the bench, comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, observed that the present pricing system of airlines is notably irrational. The Court urged that a regulated and systematic system may be introduced, as arbitrary and unpredictable price fluctuation puts an unfair burden on the citizens.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who is seeking the establishment of an independent regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection, as reported by PTI. The petition targets the unpredictable fluctuations in airfares and the ancillary charges imposed on passengers, which have no credible justification.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented the centre, informed the Court that the government is not disputing the issue and is treating it as non-adversarial while actively considering all aspects. He noted that although the new Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam of 2024 has become effective in January 2025, the corresponding rules are under a consultation process.

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Ravindra Srivastava, the counsel of the petitioner, argued that even under the older Aircraft Act of 1937, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) already possesses the power to intervene in case airlines apply predatory or excessive fares. He contended that the current crisis is simply a case of non-exercise of powers by the DGCA.

The legal challenge brought to light several other consumer-centric grievances that have frustrated flyers for years. The plea also highlighted the concern of the reduction of free check-in baggage allowance industry-wide from 25 kg to 15 kg. The petitioner claims that this reduction has converted the ticketed service into a new revenue stream for airlines.

Earlier, the Court termed the exorbitant rise in fares during festivals and weather disruptions as exploitation, noting that such sudden spikes in ticket prices harm poor and last-minute travellers.

The petitioner maintained that the absence of monitoring and a lack of a price cap or review authority allows airlines to decide airfares that infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens. This hampers citizens’ right to equality and freedom of movement.

With the government still in the process of finalising new rules, the Supreme Court has recorded the Solicitor General’s submissions regarding the ongoing consultations and posted the matter for further hearing on July 13.

For millions of Indian air travellers, the outcome of this case could determine whether the current unjustifiable dynamic pricing will end or not.

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