Aviation Crisis: Regulatory Failures and Market Monopoly Under Scrutiny

CPI(M) MP John Brittas urges Prime Minister Modi to initiate a Joint Parliamentary Committee or Judicial Inquiry into sweeping air service disruptions and inflated airfares. He highlights market monopoly and regulatory shortcomings and calls for passenger rights legislation following IndiGo's widespread flight cancellations.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament John Brittas has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to authorize a Joint Parliamentary Committee or a Judicial Commission to investigate the extensive disruptions in air services across India and the resultant increase in airfare. Brittas emphasized that the operational mandate from the DGCA has enabled passenger exploitation.

IndiGo's substantial flight cancellations have led to a nationwide paralysis in air travel, with the airline commanding over 60% of the domestic market. Brittas accused this market failure of creating a profiteering opportunity as airfares soared indiscriminately, highlighting the duopoly in the aviation sector which stifles competition.

Brittas underscored the inadequacy of self-regulation and the unchecked market concentration. He urged the creation of a passenger rights framework to ensure transparent pricing and fair treatment during disruptions. The government has imposed a cap on airfares amidst regulatory considerations and pressured IndiGo for refunds as part of immediate remedial actions.