The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against the sudden spike in flight ticket prices during festival seasons. On February 23, 2026, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta termed the arbitrary increase in airfares as “exploitation” of passengers. The Central Government informed the court that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively considering the matter to bring in strict regulations. This move comes as a relief to millions of travelers who face difficulty booking tickets during peak times.
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Court Demands Action Within Four Weeks
During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over how airlines increase prices when the demand is high. The bench stated that this practice affects the common man significantly. The court has granted the Centre four weeks to file a formal affidavit detailing the steps taken to control these prices. Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, representing the government, assured the bench that the issue is being discussed at the highest level to find a permanent solution. The next hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026.
Proposed Rules and Passenger Relief
The petition filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan highlights the need for an independent regulator to monitor airfares. Currently, dynamic pricing algorithms allow airlines to increase fares without a fixed cap. The government is now looking into several measures to ensure transparency and affordability for passengers.
- Price Capping: A proposal to set a maximum limit on how much fares can rise during festivals like Diwali and Chhath.
- Independent Regulator: Setting up a statutory body to protect consumer interests and oversee pricing strategies.
- Hidden Costs: New rules may also restrict high charges for baggage and cancellations.
- Essential Service: The petition argues that air travel should be treated as an essential service, similar to railways.
High Fares on Popular Routes
Data presented during the discussions showed that fares on specific high-demand routes jump by 3 to 4 times during the festive season. A standard ticket costing ₹5,000 often surges to ₹30,000, making it difficult for middle-class families to travel for emergencies or celebrations. The following routes are among the most affected by these price hikes:
| Route | Status |
|---|---|
| Delhi – Patna | High Surge |
| Mumbai – Patna | High Surge |
| Delhi – Jaipur | High Surge |
| Bangalore – Lucknow | High Surge |
