Government to Regulate Airline Fares, New Rules Expected Soon
The Indian government plans to introduce regulations on airline fares and extra charges within two weeks, addressing concerns raised by travelers.
New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian government announced on Friday that it has prepared regulations to oversee the fares charged by airlines and their additional fees. These rules have received administrative approval and are expected to be published within two weeks.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, R. Mahadevan, and Apreesh Kumar Singh directed the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, to present the finalized regulations at the next hearing. The court has scheduled the next session for November 16.
This case stems from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist S. Lakshminarayan. The petition challenges the alleged “opaque, exploitative, and algorithm-driven” pricing practices in the civil aviation sector, as well as cuts to the free check-in baggage allowance for passengers.
The Supreme Court is addressing concerns about the unpredictable fluctuations in airfare, particularly during holidays and peak travel times, when prices can surge dramatically.
During a previous hearing, Justice Vikram Nath remarked that there should be some “rationality” in the fares charged by private airlines. The bench also urged the central government to provide relief to air travelers.
The court highlighted discrepancies in pricing, noting that one airline charges ₹8,000 for an economy class ticket on a specific route while another charges ₹18,000. “There should be some rational adjustments in this regard,” the court stated.
The government had earlier informed the Supreme Court that it is drafting regulations under the ‘Indian Aircraft Act, 2024’ to address concerns related to airline pricing and additional fees.
The government reassured the court that it is seriously considering the issues raised in the PIL, which include airfare, surge pricing, and baggage fees.
The petition also points out that sudden increases in ticket prices during emergencies, holidays, and busy travel periods cause significant difficulties for passengers traveling for medical, educational, or employment reasons.
Additionally, the reduction of the free check-in baggage limit from 25 kilograms to 15 kilograms has been questioned. The petition alleges that passengers are now being charged extra for services that were previously included in their tickets. It calls for the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework or an independent aviation fee regulator to oversee airfare structures, ensure compliance with regulations, and address passenger complaints.
