Supreme Court Demands Rules on Airfare Fluctuations

The Supreme Court has mandated the Centre to present the rules formulated under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, within a two-week timeframe. This directive addresses a petition advocating for enhanced supervision of fluctuating airfares and supplementary charges levied by private airlines. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta requested the government to submit these rules in a sealed cover by August 3.

The petition, initiated by social activist S. Laxminarayanan, argues for an independent regulatory body to ensure transparency in airline pricing and safeguard passenger rights within the civil aviation sector. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, enacted in January 2025, aims to modernize India's aviation landscape, though its associated rules are still under finalization.

Concerns have been raised that the lack of a specific regulator has permitted airlines to adopt dynamic pricing strategies and impose hidden or arbitrary fare hikes, particularly during peak travel times or disruptions. Additionally, allegations suggest airlines have reduced free check-in baggage allowance for economy class passengers, thereby creating an additional revenue stream.