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Supreme Court Declines Urgent Hearing on Diwali Air‑Fare Surge, Advises ‘Don’t Fly’
✍️ Times of India
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 04:44 AM
👁 1
The Supreme Court refused to hear an urgent petition challenging the steep rise in airline tickets ahead of Diwali, warning travellers to avoid flying.
Airline ticket prices for the Diwali travel season have reportedly surged by as much as 700 per cent, prompting consumer groups to file an urgent petition before the Supreme Court. The petition sought immediate intervention to curb what they described as an exploitative price hike that could strain holiday travel plans.
On Thursday, a bench of the Supreme Court declined to grant an urgent hearing, stating that the matter did not merit immediate judicial intervention. In its brief order, the court cautioned passengers against flying during the peak period, effectively advising them to consider alternative modes of transport.
Airlines have defended the fare increase as a response to heightened demand and higher operational costs, while consumer advocates argue that the spike is disproportionate. With the court’s refusal to intervene, the issue is likely to remain in the public domain, and travelers may have to weigh the cost of air travel against other options as Diwali approaches.
On Thursday, a bench of the Supreme Court declined to grant an urgent hearing, stating that the matter did not merit immediate judicial intervention. In its brief order, the court cautioned passengers against flying during the peak period, effectively advising them to consider alternative modes of transport.
Airlines have defended the fare increase as a response to heightened demand and higher operational costs, while consumer advocates argue that the spike is disproportionate. With the court’s refusal to intervene, the issue is likely to remain in the public domain, and travelers may have to weigh the cost of air travel against other options as Diwali approaches.