Govt to regulate airfares; readies plan:SC seeks Centre’s report in 2 weeks; airlines accused of charging arbitrary fares during festivals

The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to submit the proposed rules for regulating airfares in a sealed cover within two weeks. The order came during a hearing on Monday on the issue of airlines sharply increasing ticket prices during festivals. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the matter. The Centre informed the court that the rules to regulate airfares had been prepared and would be tabled in Parliament within 30 days. The bench, however, said that irrespective of when the rules are introduced in Parliament, the government must submit a copy to the Supreme Court within the next two weeks. The matter will be heard again on August 3. Why do diferent airlines charge different fares? Earlier, social activist S Lakshminarayanan had filed a PIL against airlines over fluctuating ticket prices and alleged arbitrary fare hikes. During the hearing on May 15, he sought the creation of a strong and independent regulator to monitor airfares and additional charges imposed by airlines. The petitioner told the court that airfares often increase by as much as 300%. In a lighter vein, the bench remarked, “Lawyers’ fees also increase by 400% at times. What can be done about that?” Court had pulled up the Centre on April 30 On April 30, the Supreme Court criticised the Centre for failing to file an affidavit in response to a petition seeking regulatory guidelines to control unpredictable fluctuations in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India. The court directed the government to file an application along with an affidavit explaining why it had failed to submit the affidavit earlier and why it was seeking more time. Supreme Court has raised concerns over airfares before February 23, 2026: The Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response over steep airfare hikes during festivals and emergency situations, calling it a matter of serious concern. The Centre informed the court that the Ministry of Civil Aviation was examining the issue. November 17, 2025: The court issued notices to the Centre, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) on a PIL seeking regulation of sudden fluctuations in airfares and additional charges. They were asked to respond within four weeks. Jet fuel is airlines’ biggest operating cost Rising jet fuel prices have pushed airlines worldwide to increase ticket fares and, in many cases, withdraw their financial outlooks. Jet fuel is the single largest expense for airlines, accounting for 30% to 40% of their total operating costs.