Why ₹8,000 on One Airline and ₹18,000 on Another for the Same Route? Supreme Court Seeks Government Response
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over arbitrary and excessively high airfares charged by airlines and directed the Central Government to explore measures to reduce the financial burden on passengers.
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta highlighted the glaring disparity in ticket prices on the same route and on the same day, questioning why one airline charges ₹8,000 for an economy-class seat, while another demands ₹18,000 for the same journey.
During the hearing, the bench observed that there must be “some rationality” in airfare pricing.
The remarks came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the new aviation law passed in 2024 has come into force, while discussions are still underway regarding the formulation of its operational rules.
He told the court that the government acknowledges the issue and is actively considering possible solutions, treating the matter with due seriousness and neutrality.
PIL Challenges Arbitrary Airfare Pricing
The matter is linked to a petition filed by social activist S. Lakshminarayanan, who has sought the establishment of an independent regulator to ensure transparency in airfare pricing and curb sudden price surges as well as additional charges imposed on passengers.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Ravindra Shrivastava argued that although rules governing airfare regulation exist under the Aircraft Act, 1937, they are not being properly implemented.
He pointed out that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has the authority to intervene in cases of unreasonable fare pricing, but no effective directions have been issued in this regard.
New Aviation Rules Under Preparation
Responding to the concerns, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that while the existing rules remain valid, the government is in the process of framing new guidelines under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
The Supreme Court directed the petitioner to file a response to the Centre’s affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for July 13.
Growing Concern Among Air Travelers
The issue of fluctuating and often exorbitant airfares has become a major concern for passengers, especially during peak travel seasons, festivals, and emergency travel situations.
Consumer rights advocates have repeatedly raised questions over the lack of fare transparency and alleged algorithm-driven pricing practices that often lead to sharp ticket price increases within hours.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is being viewed as a significant step toward greater accountability and fairness in India’s aviation sector.