Sat Dec 06 18:35:32 UTC 2025: Summary:
CPI(M) MP John Brittas has called for a Joint Parliamentary Committee or judicial inquiry into the recent widespread flight cancellations and soaring airfares in India. He argues that the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms led to chaos, exposing regulatory failures, exploitation of passengers, and potential compromises on safety. Brittas criticizes the dominance of IndiGo and Air India in the Indian aviation market, the lack of government intervention in price gouging, and alleged favouritism towards certain airports. He urges the government to address these issues and establish a statutory Passenger Bill of Rights.
News Article:
Indian MP Demands Inquiry into Airline Chaos and Fare Hikes
New Delhi, December 7, 2025: CPI(M) MP John Brittas is demanding a formal investigation into recent disruptions within the Indian civil aviation sector, characterized by widespread flight cancellations and a surge in airfares.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brittas alleged that the implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms triggered the crisis, exposing weaknesses in regulatory oversight and leaving passengers vulnerable to exploitation. He pointed to IndiGo, which holds a dominant market share, as a key contributor to the disruption, with thousands of passengers stranded and facing exorbitant fares.
“This crisis has exposed deep structural failures in regulatory preparedness, market oversight, and consumer protection,” Brittas stated.
The MP further accused airlines of capitalizing on the chaos to inflate fares, a practice he described as “extortionate.” He also raised concerns about the government’s inaction despite the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) having the authority to regulate excessive pricing.
Brittas emphasized the need to address the near-duopoly of IndiGo and Air India, comparing it unfavourably to more balanced airline markets in China and the United States. He also questioned the allocation of “point-of-call” status to certain airports over others, raising concerns about a potential airline-airport cartel.
Brittas is calling for either a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a judicial inquiry to investigate the regulatory failures, airline preparedness, the dilution of safety norms, fare escalation patterns, and the policy framework enabling such extreme market concentration. He also advocates for the urgent creation of a statutory Passenger Bill of Rights to protect travellers.
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