Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Festival Airfare Surges, Seeks Regulatory Response

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over sharp increases in airfares during festivals and high-demand periods, describing such surges as potentially exploitative. The court is hearing a public interest petition by social activist S Laxminarayanan seeking an independent regulator to ensure transparent and fair pricing in the civil aviation sector. The petition highlights issues like dynamic pricing algorithms, sudden fare hikes, and reduced free baggage allowances. The court has asked the Centre and aviation authorities to respond and indicated it will intervene to address these concerns.