Delhi High Court Questions Government Over IndiGo Crisis and Skyrocketing Airfares

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday challenged the Centre regarding the IndiGo crisis that resulted in hundreds of canceled flights, questioning why authorities failed to prevent airlines from increasing fares to approximately Rs 40,000.

"If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go to 35,000 to 39,000? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen?" Justice Gedela inquired during the proceedings.

The unexpected surge in demand amid the IndiGo disruption led to fare increases of two to three times normal rates, with stranded passengers struggling to secure last-minute bookings with alternative carriers. Interestingly, flights to several international destinations were priced lower than busy domestic routes. A one-way economy ticket between Mumbai and Delhi escalated to Rs 35,000 – a route that typically costs up to Rs 20,000 for a round trip when booked last minute.

When the additional solicitor general presented the measures implemented by the Centre, the Delhi High Court responded, "They are all taken by you once the crisis erupted. The question is not this. Why at all the situation arise? And what have you been doing?"

The court also raised concerns about overworked pilots and questioned what preventative actions could be taken.

The additional solicitor general informed the court that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, which responded with a "profuse apology." While acknowledging these efforts, the court questioned why such a situation had developed in the first place.

"We have said we appreciate your efforts. However, what bothers us is how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leaving lakhs of passengers unattended at the airports. Such a situation is not confined to causing inconvenience to the passengers but also affects the economy of the country, as in the present day fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning. What steps were taken to compensate the passengers? What action has been taken to ensure that the employees of service providers behave responsibly?" the court asked the Centre.

The government has initiated enforcement actions against IndiGo, with the DGCA reducing the airline's winter schedule by 5 percent. With IndiGo operating approximately 2,200 domestic and international flights daily, this represents a reduction of around 110 flights per day.

The government indicated that the freed slots would be allocated to other airlines.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu recently addressed Parliament, stating that no airline would be permitted to cause hardship to passengers and emphasizing that safety is "non-negotiable."

"Airports are reporting normal conditions without crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under continuous supervision by the ministry. DGCA has issued showcause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Depending on the outcome, strict and appropriate action as empowered under the aircraft rules and Act will be taken," he stated.