New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused an urgent hearing on a petition seeking restrictions on steep domestic airfares during the Diwali festive season, with Justice Vikram Nath responding to the plea by saying, “Don’t travel by air.”
The petitioner approached the court seeking intervention against what was described as arbitrary and excessive pricing by private airlines during festivals, holidays and emergencies. The plea alleged that domestic airfares had increased by as much as 700 per cent compared with normal rates.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that air travel had become an essential service and that unreasonable fare increases violated Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. However, the bench declined the request for an early hearing and proceeded to take up the next case.
The matter is already pending before the court. In October, the Centre informed the bench that administrative approval had been granted for new aviation rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, aimed at regulating airfares. The rules were expected to be published within two weeks.
The court had directed the government to place the proposed rules before it ahead of the next hearing scheduled for November 16.
Meanwhile, airlines are facing rising operating expenses, particularly due to higher aviation turbine fuel prices. IndiGo CEO Willie Walsh has warned that ticket prices could increase further as fuel costs reach record levels. He said airlines were attempting to absorb a portion of the additional expenses while maintaining their financial stability.
Fuel accounts for around 32 per cent of an airline’s operating costs. High airport charges and taxes are also adding to the financial burden on carriers.
The Centre has meanwhile notified new rules that allow it to intervene in airline ticket pricing under extraordinary circumstances and when considered necessary in the public interest.
