New Delhi/Alive News: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against alleged steep increases in airfares, with the petitioner claiming that ticket prices had risen by as much as 700%. Responding to the plea, the court remarked, “Do not travel by air. Move on.”
A Bench headed by Justice J. Vikram Nath heard the petitioner’s arguments that air travel had become an essential service and that such sharp increases in ticket prices violated Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. However, the court refused to entertain the plea and dismissed it.
According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India recorded around 23.94 crore domestic and international passenger journeys in 2024-25.
Airlines to have freedom to revise fares
Meanwhile, the Centre on Monday issued a gazette notification for the Indian Aircraft Rules, 2026. Under the new provisions, airlines will be allowed to increase or reduce ticket prices without seeking prior government approval. However, the government will retain the power to issue directions on fares in unavoidable circumstances. The rules will come into effect on January 1, 2027.
Festive season fares under pressure
Airfares have increased during the festive season amid rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and limited flight availability. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said that higher fuel costs have made it difficult to keep ticket prices under control. The government is holding discussions with airlines and oil companies on the issue.
Air India and IndiGo revise charges
Air India recently announced additional fuel charges of up to ₹1,200 on domestic flights and ₹17,800 on international routes, effective October 9. The revised charges also apply to Air India Express. IndiGo has also revised its fares amid rising aviation fuel costs.
