The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and aviation regulators to respond to a petition that challenges rising airfares, dynamic pricing and high ancillary charges in the civil aviation sector. The bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta has given four weeks to file replies.
The petition argues that airlines use algorithms that can push ticket prices up two to three times within a few hours, especially during major events or emergencies. It cites fare spikes during the Maha Kumbh and after the Pahalgam terror attack. According to the plea, passengers who need to travel urgently for medical or family emergencies are often forced to pay steep prices.
The petition says such sudden fare hikes make air travel unaffordable for many people and violate the right to life and dignity under Article 21. It claims that pricing for essential services should be fair, clear and properly regulated.
The plea also challenges the decision of airlines to cut the free check-in baggage allowance from 25 kg to 15 kg. It says passengers now have to pay about ₹600 per kg for extra luggage, which can add up to ₹6,000 for just 10 kilos. Even Air India, after privatisation, has followed private airlines in reducing the allowance. The petition calls this unregulated profiteering that affects ordinary passengers and small businesses.
It highlights that in many parts of the country, especially the Northeast, island regions and high-altitude areas, flying is the only practical mode of transport in emergencies. It adds that air travel is classified as an essential service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act and should therefore remain affordable.
The petition notes that unlike sectors such as railways or electricity, airlines can change fares several times a day without any approval or transparency. It points to media reports showing sharp fare increases during major events and complaints of overcharging for excess baggage.
The plea states that while many airport and airline operations have been privatised, the government still controls security functions due to public-interest concerns. However, it argues that private operators have too much unchecked power over commercial matters such as ticket pricing, cancellation charges and baggage fees.
The petitioner has asked the Court to direct the Union government, DGCA and AERA to enforce aviation laws and rules to ensure fair and transparent passenger services. It seeks recognition of domestic air travel as an essential service, stricter monitoring of tariffs, action against excessive dynamic pricing and restoration of the 25-kg free baggage allowance.
The plea also asks for uniform rules for seat-selection charges, baggage fees and other add-ons, along with clear disclosure norms and penalties. It further seeks the creation of an independent Aviation Tariff and Consumer Protection Commission with the power to handle complaints and regulate fares.
Case No.: Diary No. 44885/2025
Case Title: S. Laxminarayanan v. Union of India
Counsels : Senior Advocate Ravindra Srivastava appeared for the petitioner, along with Advocate-on-Record Charu Mathur and Advocate Abhinav Verma.
