Supreme Court Advocates for Rational Airfares, Pushes Centre to Address Pricing Discrepancies for Consumer Relief

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the pricing strategies of airlines in India, prompting a call for action from the central government.  

This initiative aims to ensure fair ticket pricing and provide relief to consumers affected by erratic fare changes. 

Addressing Fare Discrepancies 

The Supreme Court, on May 15, 2026, highlighted the considerable discrepancies in airfares, pointing out instances where airlines charge significantly different prices for the same sector on the same day.  

Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta brought this issue before Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to explore solutions that would offer more consistent pricing for travellers. 

The Court noted instances where one airline could charge ₹8,000 for a flight, while another could charge ₹18,000 for the same route in economy class.  

This disparity often leaves consumers confused and burdened by unexpected costs. 

Government's Response and New Legislation 

Responding to the Court's concerns, the Solicitor General confirmed that the government acknowledges the issue and is considering legislation enacted in 2024, which includes new rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam implemented in January 2025.  

These rules aim to standardise fares and limit arbitrary surcharges by airlines. 

Senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava, representing social activist S Laxminarayanan, highlighted existing regulations under the Aircraft Act of 1937, which have yet to be effectively enforced.  

The current laws allow the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to issue directions in cases of excessive fares, which have not been effectively exercised. 

Public Demand for Regulation 

The petition, filed by Laxminarayanan, calls for an independent regulator to oversee transparency and passenger protection within the civil aviation sector.  

The plea argues that unregulated fare hikes, particularly during festivals or emergencies, disadvantage poor and last-minute travellers and infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens. 

On February 23, the government informed the Court of its active review of the issues raised in the plea, further emphasising the push for rational pricing strategies to prevent consumer exploitation. 

Read More: Outbound Travel Demand Softens as Higher Costs and Global Uncertainty Influence Indian Travellers! 

Conclusion 

The Supreme Court's insistence on rationalising airfares aims to protect consumers from arbitrary pricing and ensures that travellers benefit from more predictable and fair ticket costs. As legal and regulatory frameworks evolve, the hope is for a more orderly and transparent travel industry in India. 

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