The Delhi High Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent chaos experienced by IndiGo passengers, questioning the government's oversight and the steep surge in airfares during the disruptions. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, took note of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking relief for passengers affected by widespread flight cancellations and delays.
The court questioned how airfares for tickets, typically priced around ₹5,000, had skyrocketed to ₹35,000-₹39,000 amidst the IndiGo crisis. The bench questioned how other airlines were permitted to take advantage of the situation and increase their prices. "How can it (ticket price) go up to Rs 35,000 and Rs 39,000? How could other airlines start charging," asked the bench.
The court rebuked the Union government for not taking timely action to prevent the situation from escalating. The bench inquired whether the government was helpless in acting against IndiGo, stating, "You allowed the situation to precipitate and only then did you take action. Why did you allow all this to happen?". The court further questioned, "Why allow crisis to escalate?".
The court acknowledged the steps taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), but questioned why the situation was allowed to deteriorate, leaving many passengers stranded at airports. The court stated that the issue extends beyond mere inconvenience to passengers and also impacts the country's economy, as efficient passenger movement is crucial for economic activity.
The Centre's counsel informed the court that the crisis stemmed from IndiGo's non-compliance with various guidelines, including those related to crew flight duty hours. They added that a show-cause notice had been issued to IndiGo, and the airline had offered an apology. The government's counsel also stated that the Ministry has intervened and capped the fares, considering this a stringent regulatory action. The Assistant Solicitor General (ASG) also mentioned that a one-time exemption regarding Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) was granted to Indigo and will remain valid till February 2026. Reviews will be conducted every 15 days.
The court has directed IndiGo to ensure compliance with compensation rules, particularly the DGCA circular regarding facilities for flight delays and cancellations. The court expects these provisions to be strictly followed by IndiGo, with the Ministry and DGCA ensuring adherence.
Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing IndiGo, stated that the situation was unprecedented in the airline's 19 years of operation. However, the court maintained that this did not absolve the airline of responsibility for the current situation.
The court has called for appropriate measures to ensure that all airlines employ an adequate number of pilots. The court has directed that if the inquiry initiated by a committee is complete by January 22, 2026, the report should be submitted to the court in a sealed cover.
