'Don't travel by air': Supreme Court's 4-word reply to plea against Diwali airfare surge

Justice Vikram Nath made the remark after the petitioner's counsel raised concerns over what was described as an extraordinary increase in airline ticket prices.

The judge then asked for the "next case" to be taken up, effectively rejecting the request for an urgent hearing.

Petitioner claims airfares have increased by 700%

The petitioner approached the Supreme Court seeking a cap on domestic airfares, alleging that airlines had increased ticket prices by as much as 700 per cent compared with normal fares during the festive period.

The PIL challenges what it describes as arbitrary and exorbitant pricing by private airlines during festivals, holidays and emergency situations.

Appearing before the bench, the petitioner's counsel argued that air travel had become an essential service and that excessive fare hikes violated Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality.

The petitioner has sought judicial intervention to prevent airlines from charging what it considers unreasonable fares during periods of high demand.

However, the court declined to advance the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for November 16.

Centre promises new rules to regulate airfares

The Centre had informed the Supreme Court in October that administrative approval had been granted for new aviation rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.

The proposed rules are intended to provide the government with greater powers to regulate airfares, particularly during extraordinary circumstances.

The bench had asked the Centre to place the rules before the court before the next date of hearing on November 16.

The petitioner, however, sought an earlier hearing, arguing that the issue required immediate attention amid soaring festive-season ticket prices. Justice Nath rejected the request.

Meanwhile, the government has notified new provisions allowing it to intervene in airline ticket pricing in exceptional situations and in the public interest.

Rising fuel prices could push airfares higher

The concerns over expensive domestic air travel come at a time when the global aviation industry is facing mounting operating costs.

Airfares have remained elevated since February, when US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran triggered a wider regional conflict.

Tehran subsequently targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage through which nearly one-fifth of the world's energy supplies normally transit.

Disruptions to the route have fuelled uncertainty in global energy markets, sending crude oil prices above $100 per barrel at points.

With Washington signalling the possibility of renewed military action against Iran following an uneasy cessation of hostilities, further volatility in oil prices remains a concern.

IndiGo CEO warns of further fare hikes

Adding to the concerns, IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh has warned that airline ticket prices could rise further amid record-high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs.

"We understand that people would prefer to have lower prices, but we have to have an eye on the financial stability of the company. We're trying to absorb as much as we possibly can," Walsh said.

He pointed out that increasing operating expenses are putting pressure on the financial sustainability of airlines.

Aviation turbine fuel accounts for approximately 32 per cent of an airline's operating costs, making fluctuations in fuel prices a significant factor in ticket pricing.

Walsh also flagged high airport infrastructure charges and taxes as additional financial burdens on the aviation sector.

"Airport charges are too high. We would do much better if we had lower taxes. So lower taxes, lower airport charges. That's the way forward," he said.

With the Centre preparing to exercise its newly notified powers to intervene in exceptional pricing situations, the debate over airline fares is gaining urgency. For passengers planning Diwali travel, however, relief from expensive tickets remains uncertain.