DGCA Submits Key Airline Data to CCI for IndiGo Dominance Probe

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 16, 2026 at 01:30 AM•3 min read

REGULATORY DGCA Submits Key Airline Data to CCI for IndiGo Dominance Probe

DGCA provided airline-wise data to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its ongoing probe into IndiGo's alleged abuse of dominance as the largest domestic carrier.

Key Points

1DGCA submitted passenger, capacity, and revenue data for IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa to the CCI.
2The CCI inquiry focuses on IndiGo's alleged abuse of dominance, which stems from its over 60% domestic market share.
3The probe was triggered by mass flight cancellations and subsequent airfare spikes in December 2025.
4IndiGo faces potential penalties of up to 10% of its total revenue if found guilty of anti-competitive practices.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has shared critical airline-wise market data with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). This action supports the CCI's ongoing inquiry against IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier. The investigation centers on allegations of IndiGo abuse of dominance in the India commercial aviation sector.

Scope of the Regulatory Inquiry

The Competition Commission of India investigation is a preliminary assessment. It aims to determine if prima facie evidence exists for a violation of competition norms. The CCI is proceeding suo motu, meaning on its own initiative. The inquiry focuses on whether IndiGo has misused its dominant position.

Data Shared by DGCA

The DGCA provided a comprehensive set of data to the CCI. This DGCA shares airline data move is crucial for the competition watchdog. The information includes passenger numbers and capacity indicators. It also covers year-wise revenue details for multiple airlines. Carriers included are Air India, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa. Specific data on routes exclusively operated by IndiGo was also submitted. This covers the period between September and December 2025.

Context of Alleged Abuse of Dominance

IndiGo commands a significant Indian airline market share. It holds over 60% of the domestic market. This dominance is the core issue under aviation regulatory scrutiny.

The CCI probe was triggered by major operational disruptions. These disruptions occurred at IndiGo in December 2025. Thousands of flights were cancelled due to a pilot shortage. This shortage was linked to implementing new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) regulations.

During the crisis, airfares on several routes surged significantly. The government was forced to intervene. They temporarily imposed airfare caps to protect consumers. The CCI is examining if this fare spiking constitutes exploitative conduct. Such acts would fall under the anti-competitive practices prohibited by the Competition Act.

Industry Impact and Next Steps

This inquiry has wide-ranging implications for aviation competition law. The CCI is examining Section 4 of the Competition Act. This section prohibits the abuse of a dominant position. Abuse can be either exploitative or exclusionary.

Risk of Penalties: If the CCI finds a violation, IndiGo could face a penalty. This penalty may be up to 10% of its total revenues. The Commission may also order structural remedies.
Regulatory Compliance: The investigation highlights the need for strict regulatory compliance in aviation. It shows the intersection of safety and competition rules.

If the initial assessment finds sufficient evidence, a detailed investigation will be ordered. This will be led by the CCI's Director General. The outcome will set a major precedent for dominant players in the Indian market.

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