"How Can Airlines Charge Rs 39,000?" Court To Centre On IndiGo Crisis

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre over the IndiGo crisis which saw hundreds of flight cancellations, and questioned its failure to prevent airlines from increasing their fares to nearly Rs 40,000.

"If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go to 35,000 to 39,000? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen?" Justice Gedela asked.

The sudden rush and demand spike amid the IndiGo chaos led to the doubling and tripling of flight prices, with passengers stranded due to cancellations struggling with last-minute bookings with other airlines. Flights to several foreign cities cost less than many busy domestic routes. Between Mumbai and Delhi, a one-way ticket fare soared up to Rs 35,000 in the economy category - which, usually, a double trip costs up to Rs 20,000, if booked last minute.

The additional solicitor general read out the list of measures taken by the Centre. However, the Delhi High Court said, "They are all taken by you once the crisis erupted. The question is not this. Why at all the situation arise? And what have you been doing?"

The court also questioned the Centre why the pilots were overworked and what action could be taken to prevent it.

The additional solicitor general also told the court that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had sent a show-cause notice to IndiGo - which responded with a "profuse apology". To this, the court said, while it "appreciates their efforts" in handling the chaos, why such a situation had precipitated in the first place.

"We have said we appreciate your efforts. However, what bothers us is how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leaving lakhs of passengers unattended at the airports. Such a situation is not confined to causing inconvenience to the passengers but also affects the economy of the country, as in the present day fast movement of passengers is an important aspect ot keep the economy functioning. What steps were taken to compensate the passengers? What action has been taken to ensure that the employees of service providers behave responsibly?" the court questioned the Centre.

Centre's crackdown against IndiGo

The Centre started its crackdown against IndiGo for the chaos at airports, with the DGCA slashing the airline's winter schedule, reducing the number of flights by 5 per cent. IndiGo operates about 2,200 domestic and international flights daily - which means a reduction of 110-odd flights daily. 

The slots freed due to this would be given to other airlines, the government said.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu recently told the Parliament that no airline will be permitted to cause hardship to passengers, adding that safety is "non-negotiable".

"Airports are reporting normal conditions without crowding or distress. Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under continuous supervision by the ministry. DGCA has issued showcause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation. Depending on the outcome, strict and appropriate action as empowered under the aircraft rules and Act will be taken," he said.