SC expresses concern over air fare surge during festivals: 'Will definitely interfere'

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• Supreme Court worried about high airfares during festivals and emergencies
• Court may issue directions to regulate exploitative airline pricing practices
• Petition seeks independent mechanism for transparent and fair airfare regulation

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The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong concern over the sharp rise in airfares during peak travel seasons and major festivals, observing that such pricing practices often turn unfair and “exploitative.” The court said it would “definitely interfere” and pass appropriate directions to address the issue.

A two-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath flagged how airline ticket prices spike significantly during large gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela and other festive occasions. He pointed out that fares on routes like Delhi to Prayagraj and Delhi to Jodhpur had risen to almost three times their usual rates during these periods. The observations were made while the bench was hearing submissions by Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, who represented the Centre.

The court was hearing a public interest petition filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, which seeks the creation of an independent mechanism to regulate airfares and ensure transparent pricing. The petition challenges the current airline pricing model that depends heavily on algorithms, sudden fare hikes close to the date of travel, and the reduction of free check-in baggage allowance from 25 kg to 15 kg.

The plea explains that dynamic pricing allows ticket prices to increase sharply within hours. It highlights steep fare surges during the Maha Kumbh and in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack as examples of this trend. According to the petition, abrupt price changes disproportionately affect passengers who are unable to book tickets in advance.

It further argues that in situations such as medical emergencies, natural calamities or urgent family matters, travellers are often left with no choice but to fly, forcing them to pay excessively high fares.

The petition also asserts that air travel qualifies as an essential service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act, 1981. It states that the government has a duty to ensure such services remain affordable and are not used as a means to overcharge the public.

Drawing a comparison with other sectors, the plea notes that services such as railways, electricity and postal systems operate under defined regulatory frameworks. In contrast, airlines are allowed to revise fares multiple times a day without any clear oversight or monitoring mechanism, it adds.