The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation is currently addressing significant concerns regarding the unpredictable fluctuations in airfares during festivals. This development was disclosed to the Supreme Court on February 23, 2026, where the Ministry is actively considering issues raised in a public interest litigation (PIL).
A Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, emphasized the seriousness of the matter, granting the Centre four weeks to conclude its deliberations. The bench noted the exploitative nature of airfare hikes during festive periods, as highlighted by the PIL filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan.
The PIL argues for the establishment of a robust regulatory framework to ensure transparency and protect passengers from arbitrary pricing by private airlines. It highlights issues such as reduced baggage allowances and the lack of a cap on airfares and ancillary fees.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 23, 2026, and has requested responses from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India. The outcome could lead to significant regulatory changes in the civil aviation sector, impacting pricing strategies during high-demand periods.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 24th, 2026
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