Archive · 20 Jan 2026
SC Flags Airfare Fluctuations During Festivals
The Supreme Court of India is concerned about how airfares can change a lot, especially during festivals, and thinks it's not fair to passengers.
They asked the government and the people in charge of airlines to explain why this happens and what they can do to make it better.
A social activist also asked the court to make sure there are rules to protect passengers from high prices and unfair changes in services.
The court will talk about this more on February 23.
The activist also mentioned that airlines have reduced the free baggage allowance, which makes traveling more expensive for people.
The court thinks this is important because it affects people who can't plan ahead and have to pay more for tickets when prices are high.
The Supreme Court flagged exorbitant airfare fluctuations during festivals as exploitation.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked the Centre and DGCA to file replies to a PIL seeking regulatory guidelines.
The court noted high fares to destinations like Prayagraj and Jodhpur during events like Kumbh.
The plea by social activist S Laxminarayanan seeks a robust regulator for transparency and passenger protection.
The plea claims airlines have reduced free check-in baggage allowance, leading to higher costs for passengers.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, social activist S Laxminarayanan, Centre, DGCA, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India
- What
- Flagging of exorbitant airfare fluctuations during festivals and seeking regulatory guidelines
- When
- Next hearing scheduled for February 23
- Where
- Supreme Court of India
- Why
- To address the exploitation of passengers due to unpredictable airfare fluctuations and to establish a robust regulator for transparency and passenger protection
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
- Issue
- Unpredictable airfare fluctuations and exploitation during festivals
- Next Hearing
- February 23
- Petitioner
- Social activist S Laxminarayanan
- Respondents
- Centre, DGCA, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India
- Key Destinations Mentioned
- Prayagraj, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad
- Baggage Allowance Reduction
- From 25 kg to 15 kg for economy class