New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has mandated a thorough investigation into IndiGo, following allegations of unfair business practices arising from the airline's significant flight cancellations attributed to serious operational issues. This directive comes over two months after the carrier disrupted thousands of flights.

Currently, IndiGo holds a commanding presence in India's domestic aviation sector, boasting a market share exceeding 65 percent. In December, the Air India Group expanded its market share to 29.6 percent, while Akasa Air increased its share to 5.2 percent.

Both airlines experienced a rise in market share compared to November, and SpiceJet also improved its position, climbing to 4.3 percent from 3.7 percent the previous month. Meanwhile, Alliance Air maintained a steady share of 0.4 percent.

According to the CCI's 16-page ruling, IndiGo's massive flight cancellations represent a failure to provide services to the market. The regulatory body observed that a notable amount of the airline’s scheduled capacity was abruptly withdrawn, potentially creating an artificial shortage of available flights.

This situation severely restricted consumer access to air travel during the peak holiday season.

IndiGo experienced significant disruptions in early December, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to reduce the airline's winter flight schedule by 10 percent until February 10.

Over 1.04 million passengers were impacted by the cancellations in December, with more than 93 percent of those affected being IndiGo customers.

Many travelers found themselves stranded at airports nationwide as the crisis unfolded. On December 5 alone, the airline canceled over 1,600 of its more than 2,300 daily flights.

During the peak disruption between December 3 and December 5, a total of 2,507 IndiGo flights were canceled, with an additional 1,852 flights delayed.

The abrupt reduction in available flights resulted in a swift increase in ticket prices across competing airlines as passengers scrambled to secure alternative travel arrangements. In response, the government implemented distance-based fare caps to mitigate the price surge.

Following numerous complaints, the CCI began investigating the matter on December 18 to determine if IndiGo misused its dominant market position.

IndiGo has previously faced regulatory scrutiny, with the DGCA imposing penalties totaling Rs 22.20 crore and issuing warnings to the airline's senior management.

In its latest order, the CCI indicated that passengers who booked flights with IndiGo had little choice but to accept last-minute cancellations. Furthermore, many travelers found themselves compelled to arrange alternative travel at significantly higher rates.

Due to IndiGo’s prominent market position, the regulatory body noted that consumers lacked viable options, potentially violating the Competition Act.

The CCI has instructed its investigative team to conclude the probe within 90 days.