The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over large differences in airline ticket prices on the same routes and asked the Central Government to consider measures that provide relief to passengers. The court observed that while one airline may charge around INR 8,000 for an economy seat on a route, another airline operating the same sector on the same day may charge as high as INR 18,000.
A bench comprising Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stressed the need for rationalisation of airfares. The matter came up during a hearing on a petition seeking better regulation of airline pricing practices, passenger protection and transparency in the civil aviation sector.
The petition argues that airlines currently have excessive freedom in implementing dynamic pricing models, resulting in unpredictable fare increases, especially during festivals, emergencies and weather disruptions. It also raised concerns about hidden charges and reductions in free baggage allowances, which many passengers view as unfair additional revenue generation.
The Centre informed the court that new rules are being drafted under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which came into force in January 2025. According to the government, consultations are currently underway to frame updated aviation regulations that could address airfare and passenger-related issues more effectively.
The court also questioned why existing provisions under the Aircraft Act, 1937 are not being actively enforced. The petitioner claimed that authorities like the DGCA already possess powers to intervene against predatory or excessive pricing but have failed to exercise them adequately in recent years.
The issue has gained importance as Indian airfares continue to fluctuate sharply due to rising aviation fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, increased travel demand and airline capacity adjustments. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for July 13, where the Supreme Court is expected to review the Centre’s progress on the proposed regulatory framework.