sc-flags-air-fare-hike-during-festivals-govt-says-examining-issue

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that steep fluctuations in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines during festive seasons and holidays are a matter of “serious concern”, even as the Centre informed the court that the issue is being examined at the highest level.

 

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a petition seeking regulatory guidelines to curb unpredictable airfare surges.

“This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain Article 32 petitions,” the Bench remarked.

 

Appearing for the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik submitted that deliberations were underway and sought four weeks to file a response.

 

“Solicitor General has also called a meeting. We have taken the matter to the highest level. We are in discussion with the highest authority. Four weeks’ time may be given; we will come up with a counter,” he told the court.

 

Recording the submission, the court posted the matter for further hearing on March 23.

 

When the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) sought to be impleaded in the case, the Bench declined to consider the request for now. “The Union will deal with you. They will call you before taking a decision. They will constitute a committee and take a decision. It is for the ministry to decide. If they don’t, we will consider that later on,” the court said.

 

The petition argues that air travel is no longer a luxury but an essential service, particularly during emergencies, festivals and when rail or road options are unavailable.

 

It contends that airlines employ opaque, algorithm-driven dynamic pricing systems that cause fares to fluctuate multiple times a day, disproportionately affecting poorer and middle-class travellers who often book tickets at short notice due to medical emergencies, bereavements or urgent work commitments.

 

The plea also points out that airlines have reduced free baggage allowance from 25 kg to 15 kg and impose high excess baggage charges, effectively monetising basic services.

 

Seeking intervention, the petitioner has urged the court to direct the Union government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to frame binding rules to regulate airfare pricing, cap surge pricing during peak periods, standardise cancellation and refund norms, and establish an independent aviation regulator to safeguard consumer interests.