India's aviation sector has been thrust into the spotlight yet again, as the nation’s highest court weighed in on the ongoing crisis surrounding IndiGo Airlines’ widespread flight delays and cancellations. On December 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a plea that sought its intervention in the matter, instead directing petitioners to first approach the Delhi High Court, which is already seized of the issue. This move, while procedural on the surface, underscores the complexities of India’s legal and regulatory landscape as it grapples with airline disruptions that have left thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi, made it clear that parallel legal proceedings should be avoided. The court remarked, “We appreciate the issue but instead of parallel proceedings, you go to High Court.” According to Economic Times, the bench further advised that if the petitioners’ grievances were not addressed by the High Court, they would be welcome to return to the Supreme Court for further redressal. The petitioner in question, advocate Narendra Mishra, had raised urgent concerns about the hardships faced by passengers, including delays in refunds for last-minute flight cancellations.
The court’s insistence on exhausting remedies in the High Court before approaching the Supreme Court is not merely a matter of legal protocol. It reflects a broader commitment to judicial efficiency and respect for the hierarchical structure of India’s courts. In a moment of levity, the bench even quipped about the petitioner’s apparent preference for appearing only before the Supreme Court: “If you only appear in the Supreme Court and not in High Courts, then it's another thing.” The petitioner, for his part, agreed to join the ongoing proceedings in the Delhi High Court, as reported by Law Chakra.
The roots of this crisis run deeper than courtroom banter. IndiGo, one of India’s largest airlines, has been facing acute operational challenges. According to Law Chakra, the airline has struggled with a shortage of pilots and difficulties implementing new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) regulations—rules designed to ensure pilots get adequate rest. These operational hurdles have resulted in a cascade of flight delays and cancellations, causing widespread disruption for travelers and raising questions about regulatory oversight.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s civil aviation regulator, has not stood idle. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the DGCA established an expert committee to examine the root causes of IndiGo’s troubles. In an attempt to stabilize operations, the regulator granted IndiGo an exemption from certain requirements and mandated a 10 percent reduction in scheduled flights. This intervention, while necessary, was not enough to prevent chaos at airports nationwide.
The Delhi High Court has taken a notably proactive stance. In previous hearings, the court criticized both the Union government and the DGCA for failing to prevent the crisis, and it ordered IndiGo to compensate passengers stranded at airports due to cancellations or delays. The High Court’s observations were pointed: “We appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. However, what bothers us is as to how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leaving lakhs of passengers unattended at the airports. Such a situation is not confined to causing inconvenience to the passengers but also affects the economy of the country, as in the present day fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning.”
To ensure accountability, the High Court has mandated that the findings of the ongoing DGCA inquiry into IndiGo be submitted in a sealed cover once completed. This step is intended to maintain transparency and ensure that any regulatory lapses are addressed swiftly. In the aftermath of these hearings, the DGCA dismissed four flight operation inspectors and reassigned several officers directly to IndiGo’s headquarters in Gurgaon, signaling a hands-on approach to restoring normalcy in air travel.
For passengers caught up in the turmoil, the crisis has been more than an inconvenience—it has been a test of patience and resilience. The delays in issuing refunds for cancelled flights have been a particular sore point, as highlighted by advocate Mishra during his Supreme Court plea. Many travelers have found themselves stranded at airports with little information or recourse, fueling public frustration and eroding trust in both the airline and regulators.
Industry experts note that such disruptions can have ripple effects far beyond missed connections and ruined travel plans. The High Court itself acknowledged the broader economic impact, observing that “fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy functioning.” In a country where air travel is increasingly vital for business and commerce, the smooth operation of airlines like IndiGo is critical not just for individual travelers but for the health of the economy as a whole.
The legal wrangling over jurisdiction—whether the Supreme Court or the High Court should take the lead—may seem arcane, but it is emblematic of the checks and balances built into India’s judicial system. As Economic Times reported, the Supreme Court was careful to clarify that if any new issues arise or if the High Court fails to address certain grievances, parties are free to return to the apex court. “They (High Courts) are also Constitutional Courts. If your grievance is not taken care of there, you're welcome here,” the bench assured the petitioner.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the DGCA’s inquiry and the Delhi High Court’s ongoing proceedings will be closely watched by passengers, industry insiders, and policymakers alike. The hope is that these interventions will not only resolve the immediate crisis but also lead to structural reforms that prevent similar disruptions in the future. The aviation sector is, after all, a lifeline for millions—and when it falters, the effects are felt far and wide.
For now, passengers and stakeholders must await the findings of the DGCA’s expert committee and the deliberations of the Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court’s decision to step back—at least temporarily—may be a nod to judicial process, but it also keeps the door open for further intervention should the situation demand it. In the intricate dance between regulators, airlines, and the judiciary, one thing is clear: the smooth functioning of India’s skies is a matter of national importance.
The coming weeks will reveal whether these coordinated efforts can restore confidence and stability to India’s busiest airline—and, by extension, to the country’s wider aviation sector.
