Supreme Court warns airlines could be grounded over fare rule violations

The Supreme Court of India has warned that airlines failing to comply with government fare directives could be grounded, as it pressed the Centre to finalize new regulations for ticket pricing, surge fares, and baggage charges within three weeks. The development came during a hearing on August 17, 2026, before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.

The court was hearing a petition filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan, who is seeking stronger and independent regulation of India's civil aviation sector. The plea argues that private airlines impose unpredictable and excessive fare increases, particularly during high-demand periods like festivals, and have reduced free check-in baggage allowances from 25 kg to 15 kg for economy passengers, effectively creating new revenue streams without offering corresponding benefits.

The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, informed the court that the process of framing rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which replaced the Aircraft Act of 1934 and came into force in January 2025, had been fast-tracked. The government submitted a draft of the proposed rules in a sealed cover and...