When a market turns into a duopoly or monopoly, consumers lose real choice. Instead of being active decision-makers, they become passive takers of whatever a few companies decide to offer. This is exactly what happened in India’s aviation sector last week. With just two major airlines dominating the skies, the idea of free choice in air travel has become an illusion.
IndiGo, which controls about 63% of the Indian aviation market, stretched its operations too far. As a result, more than 2,000 flights were canceled in just three days, affecting over a million passengers. Weddings were disrupted, guests couldn’t travel, and families were left stranded. Airports quickly became places full of exhaustion and frustration.
The government only responded after public anger exploded. But instead of holding IndiGo accountable, it weakened its own 18-month-old rules on pilot rest times. At a time when strict action was needed, the government chose to step back. This made it seem like the authorities had given in to the airline’s power. The outcome was not just inconvenient for travelers it was deeply troubling.
The Singapore High Commissioner couldn’t attend his staff member’s wedding. Amidst continuous flight cancellations, a newly married couple had to participate in their own reception online, and what did the airline offer in return for these inconveniences? It merely offered excuses in corporate jargon. It blamed technical problems, weather issues, airport congestion, and FTDL – the new rules regarding pilot rest periods – even though the FTDL rules weren’t decided overnight; the decision was made months earlier. The airlines had ample time to hire pilots and crew and create new rostering systems, but they did nothing. They thought they could manipulate the government to their will, and they succeeded. The Civil Aviation Minister’s response only highlighted the extent of the problem.
He remained inactive even as public anger flared over the chaos at the airports. He only surfaced when questions were raised in Parliament. He was seen issuing mild warnings to IndiGo, holding fruitless meetings, and conducting symbolic inspections. The government’s backtracking on its own rules regarding pilot rest periods was a clear example of powerlessness and succumbing to corporate pressure. Meanwhile, Air India’s weaknesses also came to the fore. Air India, notorious for its inefficiency, aging fleet, and internal weaknesses, also cancelled flights during this period. The opposition seized the opportunity and asked the government some uncomfortable questions. It blamed the central BJP government for creating a monopolistic situation in the aviation sector.
However, the current crisis cannot be viewed in isolation from the country’s inadequate aviation capacity. A country of 1.4 billion people has barely half a dozen airlines. Of the total 839 registered aircraft, only 680 are operational. More than half of these are owned by IndiGo. The other side of the picture is that the number of domestic passengers has increased from 140 million in 2019 to 400 million in 2025. India produces less than half the number of pilots it needs annually. The pilot shortage, therefore, existed even before the implementation of the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is equally responsible for this crisis. Airlines have consistently disregarded the advisories issued by the DGCA. Flights are cancelled, and there is no provision for compensating passengers.
Fares are increased without review, and refunds are never given on time. Airlines are fearless because the DGCA stands by them. The human cost of this regulatory failure is immense. The plight of helpless passengers stranded at airports cannot be measured merely in statistics. It must be seen in the anguish of students who missed exams, the pain of workers who lost wages, the suffering of patients who couldn’t receive timely treatment, and the distress of parents unable to be with their families. Tragically, low-paid airport staff, deprived of support from their employers, become the targets of passengers’ anger.
India cannot continue on this perilous path. Civil aviation has transformed from a luxury into a lifeline for economic activity, social mobility, and national integration.
Therefore, treating it as a casual business sector instead of an essential infrastructure system is an invitation to disaster. The formation of an autonomous aviation authority with investigative autonomy, financial independence, and the power to penalize is also the need of the hour. A phased increase in the aircraft fleet and accelerated pilot training are necessary. And above all, the government must show firmness. A country of 1.4 billion people cannot be held hostage by two private airlines that have mastered the art of profiting during crises. India’s skies cannot be allowed to become a symbol of surrender to corporate interests. The country must demonstrate clarity, courage, and conviction, or it will see its ambitions thwarted by the very forces entrusted with propelling them forward.
(These are the author’s personal views.)
