Delhi High Court Rebukes Centre Over IndiGo Dispute as Airfares Soar to ₹35,000
The Delhi High Court has not minced words in its criticism of the Centre, stating that it is unbelievable that domestic airfares are allowed to rise to as much as ₹35,000 in the middle of a crisis at IndiGo. What used to cost something like ₹5,000 is now nearly seven times higher, thus, a large number of passengers are stranded, shocked, and their pockets are almost emptied.
The court sought an explanation from the government as to how airlines were being permitted to charge such outrageous fares and why the aviation regulator had not stepped in to prevent the escalation of the situation. The crisis unfolded due to the mass cancellation of IndiGo flights, which led to shortages of flight supply on major routes like Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Bengaluru, and Delhi–Hyderabad, etc. While the carrier was grappling with crew shortages and different operational issues, other airlines quickly increased their prices due to the rising demand. This price hike caused a state of panic among the customers and many were forced to shell out the inflated fare if they were to be able to achieve urgent commitments.
Delhi High Court, in its bench hearing, was profoundly concerned about the negative economic impact due to the disorder. It observed that the quick movement of people is very much essential for the overall national productivity and thereby asked the reason for which the Centre had not intervened in time. The court pointed out that energy price spikes not only damage individuals but also make the economy slower which is heavily dependent on business travel, logistics, and tourism.
Passengers have alleged that they had to shell out anywhere between ₹28,000 and ₹39,000 for tickets booked at the eleventh hour. Several customers have raised their voices against the airlines claiming that they have been taking advantage of the situation instead of offering relief or providing the safe passage of the stranded. The petitioners have implored the government to place a temporary ban on the fares along with the necessity of issuing the compensation to the affected passengers.
The High Court is expecting an elaborate report from the Ministry of Civil Aviation explaining the reasons for the crisis and the preventive measures. Moreover, it suggested that regulatory authorities imposing stricter conditions if the airlines decide to maintain their inadmissible pricing might be a next step.
Meanwhile, users of the air transport system wish that the inconvenience will be over soon and that regulations will be tightened to protect them against the recurrence of such events and the resulting unjust financial losses.