SC Flags Airfare Surge During Holidays, Seeks Pricing Rationalisation by Airlines

"Try to give some relief to people. On the same day, flights to the same destination - one airline charges Rs 8,000 while another charges Rs 18,000 in economy class. There has to be some rationalisation," a Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared on behalf of the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

SG Mehta replied that following the enactment of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, rules under the new law were in the process of being framed and consultations were underway.

"There's a new Act that has come into force. The rules are in the process of consultation. We will consider all the aspects," the Centre's second highest law officer submitted.

He further submitted that while the issue raised by the petitioner was not being disputed, the solution would have to come through statutory rules.

On the other hand, counsel for the petitioner submitted that under the existing rules, the DGCA could issue directions if airlines were found charging predatory or excessive fares.

"No directions are being issued. The rules are there. It's a case of non-exercise of rules," the petitioner contended.

Responding to the submission, SG Mehta stated that directions were being issued and reiterated that new rules were under process.

When the Justice Nath-led Bench asked how much time would be required for framing the rules, the petitioner sought interim directions and submitted that airfares were increasing by as much as 300 per cent during holidays.

The apex court, however, declined to pass any interim order. "It's a lifelong purpose. It's not like you filed this writ petition only for summer vacations," the apex court remarked.

In its order, the Justice Nath-led Bench granted one week to the petitioner to file a reply to the counter affidavit filed by the DGCA.

The matter has been listed for hearing on July 13. Earlier, in February this year, the Centre had informed the apex court that the issue relating to volatile airfares and add-on charges imposed by airlines during festive seasons and holidays was being examined at the highest level.

The PIL filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan has challenged alleged "opaque, exploitative and algorithm-driven" pricing practices in the civil aviation sector, apart from questioning the reduction in complimentary check-in baggage limits for passengers.

- IANS