Supreme Court to Intervene on Exorbitant Airfares; Relief Expected for Passengers

• The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over airlines exploiting passengers with exorbitant airfare hikes during festivals and emergencies.
• A public interest litigation highlighted how private airlines drastically increase fares, especially for last-minute bookings during events like Kumbh Mela.
• The court cited examples of routes like Delhi to Prayagraj and Jodhpur experiencing significant fare increases.
• The Supreme Court has sought responses from the central government and DGCA to establish binding guidelines and curb arbitrary pricing.
• The petition also addresses the reduction of free check-in baggage from 25 kg to 15 kg, calling it an arbitrary revenue-generating tactic.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court intervention promises relief from arbitrary airfare hikes and unfair baggage policies for passengers.