Delhi High Court slams govt, orders swift compensation as IndiGo crisis triggers fare shock and nationwide chaos

The Delhi High Court sharply rebuked the Centre for allowing such a situation to unfold, questioning why airline ticket prices were permitted to surge to levels higher than many international routes.

Justice Subramonium Prasad Gedela questioned the government's inaction: “If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can the fare go to Rs 35,000 to Rs 39,000? How can it happen?”

The court noted that flights between Delhi and Mumbai—one of India’s busiest sectors—were selling for more than Rs 35,000 in economy, a price higher than some last-minute foreign destinations.

The rush triggered by IndiGo’s mass disruption led to doubling and tripling of fares, leaving passengers scrambling for last-minute alternatives.

Many were stranded overnight in major airports as cancellations piled up.

‘Why was this situation allowed to arise?’

Even as the Additional Solicitor General presented a list of measures taken by the Centre, the High Court said all actions came after the crisis had already spiralled.

“Why at all did the situation arise? What have you been doing?” the bench asked.

The court pressed the government on multiple fronts:

● Why had pilots been pushed to the brink under the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules?

● Why were adequate safeguards not in place to prevent aviation staff from mishandling stranded passengers?

● What steps were taken to support the lakhs of people left unattended at airports?

Calling the situation “alarming,” Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya stressed that the fallout was not limited to passenger inconvenience.

“Such a situation affects the economy of the country. Fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning,” the court observed.

Swift compensation ordered as passengers reel

The court directed IndiGo to compensate passengers “at the earliest,” urging the airline, the DGCA, and the Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure immediate relief measures.

The High Court said clear accountability must be established for the widespread disruption.

IndiGo, which issued a “profuse apology” to the DGCA, is facing a detailed enforcement investigation.

The DGCA has already slashed its winter schedule by 10 percent, amounting to over 200 fewer flights daily.

The vacated slots will be allocated to other airlines.

Govt crackdown intensifies

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu told Parliament that safety is “non-negotiable,” noting that airports were returning to normal conditions.

The government has capped domestic economy fares following the outcry over skyrocketing prices, including a shocking Rs 65,460 fare reported on a Delhi–Mumbai route last week.

“Refunds, baggage tracing, and passenger support measures remain under continuous supervision,” the minister stated, adding that strict action against IndiGo’s leadership will follow the DGCA investigation.

What caused the crisis

At the centre of the turmoil are the revised FDTL norms implemented on November 1, which were intended to regulate pilot fatigue.

IndiGo, according to the court and experts, was unprepared for the transition due to poor crew management and delayed recruitment.

Some experts allege that the airline allowed the crisis to worsen deliberately in an attempt to pressure the Centre into diluting the norms.

“The guidelines were to be implemented in a phased manner. They did not do it,” the court remarked, demanding accountability for the airline’s staffing decisions.

The High Court has asked the Centre to submit a detailed report on the causes of the crisis, measures taken, and further corrective steps before the next hearing on January 22, 2026.