CCI Launches Antitrust Investigation into IndiGo Following Mass Flight Cancellations Affecting One Million Passengers

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated a formal antitrust probe into IndiGo, the nation's dominant airline, following widespread flight cancellations in December 2023 that disrupted travel for approximately one million passengers. The investigation, announced via an official order published on the CCI's website on Wednesday, stems from multiple complaints alleging potential violations of competition law. Preliminary assessments suggest the cancellations may have exploited IndiGo's substantial market share, raising concerns about anti-competitive practices that could harm consumer welfare and market fairness. This move underscores the regulator's heightened scrutiny of dominant players in critical infrastructure sectors, particularly amid rising passenger volumes and operational challenges. The probe will examine whether IndiGo's actions constituted an abuse of its market position, potentially leading to significant penalties or behavioral remedies if violations are substantiated. The outcome could set a precedent for airline accountability in India's rapidly growing aviation market, emphasizing the balance between operational exigencies and competitive conduct.