IndiGo’s monopoly under probe:Airline holds around 65% share in Indian aviation sector with 2,200 flights daily

India’s aviation watchdog is set to examine IndiGo Airlines’ dominance in the domestic market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is looking into whether the country’s largest airline has breached competition laws by misusing its market power. According to sources, the issue may fall under Section 4 of the Competition Act, which bars dominant companies from charging unfair prices or exploiting customers through arbitrary service decisions. The commission is currently reviewing several factors, including IndiGo’s market share, its dominance on certain routes, and possible misuse of that position. If evidence of unreasonable fare hikes or unfair practices is found, the CCI is expected to order a detailed investigation. DGCA tightens rules after IndiGo disruptions After problems disrupted IndiGo’s flight operations, aviation regulator DGCA has overhauled the system for monitoring technical faults with immediate effect. A series of delays, cancellations and recent safety incidents pushed the regulator to sharply tighten defect reporting norms. Under a new 12-page order, any scheduled flight delayed by 15 minutes or more due to a technical reason will now face a mandatory investigation. Airlines will have to clearly explain why the delay happened, how the fault was fixed, and what steps were taken to ensure it does not recur. These checks were not required earlier. Airlines must also immediately inform the DGCA by phone if a “major defect” is detected. A detailed report on the issue will have to be submitted within 72 hours. If the same defect occurs three times, it will be classified as a “repetitive defect” and will trigger a separate, special investigation. The DGCA said the stricter rules were necessary as the existing defect reporting system was found to be weak. So far, there was no mechanism to probe 15-minute technical delays, nor was there a clear definition of repetitive defects. Also Read: DGCA slaps ₹40 lakh fine on IndiGo Also Read: DGCA introduces 5-stage approval system for flights during fog Amidst increasing incidents of flight delays, congestion, staff shortages, and operational hurdles across the country, DGCA has ordered a complete overhaul of the surveillance system. Now, all DGCA inspection teams will compulsorily stay for 7 hours during their regular inspection visits to airports and assess operational readiness in real-time. The order has been implemented immediately. DGCA has also mandated a special 32-point Airport Inspection Checklist for the new surveillance system, which every inspection team must fill out and send to the headquarters within 48 hours. For the first time, DGCA has implemented such a comprehensive and on-the-ground inspection mechanism as a standardized process. This will increase accountability and transparency for both airport operators and airlines. What needs to be checked…
Under the new protocol, detailed checks will be conducted in critical areas such as licensing compliance, training records, duty rosters, fatigue management, staff availability, ground handling operations, Safety Management System (SMS), risk assessment, ramp safety, and emergency response. On-site assessment will be conducted for services such as crowd control, management of check-in and security queues, help desks, information dissemination, drinking water, seating arrangements, baggage delivery, and assistance for passengers with special needs.