Competition Commission Launches Formal Investigation into IndiGo's Alleged Market Dominance Abuse

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated a formal investigation into IndiGo Airlines following allegations of anti-competitive practices and abuse of market dominance. The probe stems from a complaint filed by Bengaluru-based consumer Kartikeya Rawal, whose December 5 flight cancellation allegedly resulted in IndiGo offering alternative flights at significantly inflated prices. Rawal contends this pricing strategy constitutes systematic abuse of IndiGo's dominant market position in India's aviation sector. The airline has formally contested both the allegations and CCI's jurisdictional authority in the matter, setting the stage for a landmark legal confrontation. This investigation represents a critical test of India's competition law enforcement mechanisms in the rapidly consolidating aviation industry, where market concentration has raised concerns about consumer protection and fair pricing practices. The outcome could establish important precedents regarding airline pricing strategies during operational disruptions and define the boundaries of regulatory oversight in India's transportation sector.