A PYMNTS Company

India Regulator Reviews Antitrust Claims Against IndiGo After Widespread Flight Disruptions

By  |  December 18, 2025

India’s competition watchdog said on Thursday it is examining complaints alleging anti-competitive conduct by budget carrier IndiGo after recent flight cancellations caused widespread disruption to air travel across the country.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    According to Reuters, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has begun a preliminary review following the wave of cancellations earlier this month that affected thousands of passengers nationwide. IndiGo, which holds more than 60% of India’s domestic aviation market, scrapped roughly 4,500 flights after problems linked to pilot roster planning, triggering one of the most severe aviation disruptions the country has seen in years.

    The sudden reduction in available flights led to a sharp rise in airfares, per Reuters, prompting the Indian government to step in and impose temporary price caps on certain routes. The episode has renewed scrutiny of market concentration in India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.

    In a statement cited by Reuters, the CCI said it had “taken cognizance of information filed against IndiGo in the context of the recent flight disruptions witnessed in the aviation sector, across various routes” and had decided to move forward with an initial assessment. The regulator did not provide further details on the specific allegations under review.

    Read more: Indian Watchdog Is Concerned With IndiGo and Air India Controlling 81.3% Of The Market

    One of the complaints, reviewed by Reuters, alleges that IndiGo cancelled confirmed bookings and later made the same seats available at substantially higher prices, potentially constituting an abuse of its dominant position. The filing, submitted by lawyer Kartikeya Rawal, claims that after his flight was cancelled, the alternative fare offered was significantly more expensive.

    According to Reuters, the disruptions have highlighted the vulnerabilities of a market that is close to a duopoly. IndiGo and Tata Group-owned Air India together account for more than 90% of India’s domestic air travel, raising concerns among regulators and consumers about competition and pricing power.

    The CCI declined to comment beyond its public statement, Reuters reported. Under Indian competition law, such preliminary reviews can lead to a full-scale investigation, which may result in financial penalties if violations are proven.

    IndiGo, which has built its reputation on punctuality and operational efficiency, has apologized for the cancellations. The airline described the episode as a “blemish” on its record, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters