The Supreme Court on Monday declined to urgently list a plea challenging the steep rise in domestic airfares during the 2026 Diwali season. The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh.

Advocate Abhinav, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that airfares had increased by as much as 700% ahead of Diwali. When counsel argued that air travel was an essential service and that the steep hike violated Article 14 of the Constitution, Justice Vikram Nath remarked, “Don’t travel by air. Next case,” and declined urgent listing.

Plea seeks airfare caps during festivals

The application was filed by S. Laxminarayanan in his pending Public Interest Litigation challenging algorithm-based dynamic pricing, sudden increases in ticket prices and ancillary charges imposed by domestic airlines.

The petitioner has sought interim directions to cap airfares during the current festive season and the year-end travel period. The application also seeks restoration of the free checked-in baggage allowance in economy class from 15 kg to 25 kg. The main PIL is scheduled for hearing on November 16, 2026.

The application cited steep fare increases on several routes. According to the plea, a Delhi–Kolkata ticket that ordinarily costs ₹10,000–₹11,000 was listed at ₹78,694 for travel on November 6. It also highlighted significant fare differences between flights operating on the same route on the same day.

The petitioner contends that demand-driven pricing allows airlines to exploit passengers during periods of high demand, particularly when confirmed train tickets are unavailable. It has urged the Union Government and aviation authorities to establish a mechanism to regulate festival-period fares.

New aviation rules to take effect in 2027

The Centre has notified the Bharatiya Vayuyan Niyam, 2026, which will come into force on January 1, 2027. The Rules provide for government intervention in airline fares in extraordinary circumstances where it is considered necessary in the public interest.