The Delhi High Court is currently examining the issue of alleged overcharging by airlines amidst the ongoing IndiGo crisis, raising the question of how such practices were permitted. The court's concern comes in the wake of widespread flight cancellations and disruptions that have affected tens of thousands of passengers, primarily due to internal mismanagement at IndiGo.
The Crisis Unfolds:
Since early December 2025, IndiGo has faced significant operational challenges, leading to the cancellation of over 2,000 flights and leaving numerous passengers stranded. Mumbai airport alone reported that 905 IndiGo flights were cancelled between December 1st and 8th, affecting 40,789 passengers, with a further 266,567 travellers experiencing substantial delays. The situation prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to order IndiGo to curtail its daily operations by 10%. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also summoned IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, to address the disruptions.
** пассажиров' Plight:**
The Delhi High Court has acknowledged the plight of passengers, noting instances of denied boarding and airport stranding, which have caused health issues, particularly for children and the elderly. The court is now reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking details of refunds issued to passengers affected by the cancellations and seeking support for those stranded.
Government Intervention and Fare Caps:
In response to the crisis, the government has stepped in to regulate airfares, addressing complaints that other airlines were exploiting the situation by raising prices. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has imposed fare caps on domestic flights, aiming to prevent airlines from opportunistic pricing and financial exploitation. These caps, which exclude airport levies and taxes and do not apply to business class fares, are set at different levels based on distance:
- Up to 500 km: ₹7,500
- 500–1000 km: ₹12,000
- 1000–1500 km: ₹15,000
- Beyond 1500 km: ₹18,000
Airlines have been instructed to strictly adhere to these limits, with real-time monitoring of fares planned to detect and penalize any violations. The government has also directed IndiGo to process all pending refunds and ensure the delivery of delayed baggage.
Concerns Over Overcharging:
Despite these measures, concerns remain about the extent to which airlines were able to overcharge passengers before the government's intervention. The Delhi High Court questioned how other airlines could take advantage of the IndiGo crisis to inflate ticket fares, with some airlines reportedly charging as high as ₹40,000. A CPI MP has pointed out instances where airlines charged up to ₹60,000 for a Mumbai–Delhi flight, far exceeding the notified ceiling. This has led to questions about the effectiveness of the existing regulatory framework and the need for clearer definitions of "stable fares" and "reasonable pricing" to protect passengers from exploitation.
** пассажиров' Rights and Compensation:**
Passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays have certain rights under DGCA rules and the Consumer Protection Act, including the right to refunds, re-routing, meals, accommodation, and monetary compensation. The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission president, Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal, has emphasized that DGCA compensation is a minimum relief and does not prevent passengers from seeking further compensation for consequential losses such as missed deals or emotional distress.
The current situation highlights the need for systemic reforms to prevent future crises and protect passengers' rights. The Delhi High Court's scrutiny and the government's actions signal a move towards greater accountability and regulation in the aviation sector.
