IndiGo’s December Flight Cancellations Prompt CCI Investigation Into Possible Abuse of Dominance

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is under scrutiny as the Competition Commission of India (CCI) investigates whether the carrier deliberately created an artificial scarcity of seats during the December 2025 travel chaos. Thousands of flights were canceled, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded and fares skyrocketing across key routes.

The CCI noted a prima facie case of abuse of dominance under Sections 4(2)(a)(i) and 4(2)(b)(i) of the Competition Act, 2002, and has directed its Director General to conduct a probe within 90 days. The investigation follows complaints that IndiGo withheld services, restricted consumer access, and harmed competition during peak travel demand.

Key Highlights

• Mass Cancellations: Thousands of flights scrapped in December 2025, disrupting travel plans.
• Fare Surge: Airfares spiked sharply, leaving passengers with limited alternatives.
• Regulatory Action: CCI orders probe into alleged abuse of market dominance.
• Legal Basis: Sections 4(2)(a)(i) & 4(2)(b)(i) of the Competition Act cited.
• Timeline: Director General to submit findings within 90 days.
• Consumer Impact: Widespread inconvenience and questions over fair competition.

Sources: Moneycontrol; The Financial Express; ETLegalWorld; IANS