Union minister Pralhad Joshi has directed an investigation into online ticket booking platforms over alleged excessive flight cancellation charges
May 23, 2026: Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday ordered a probe into allegedly exorbitant cancellation charges imposed by online air ticket booking platforms. He said the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) have been directed to examine whether online platforms are charging consumers more than the fees imposed by airlines or disclosed during booking. Joshi warned that such practices could amount to unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and assured that strict action, including class-action measures, would be taken if violations are found.
The issue gained attention after BJP youth leader Tajinder Bagga claimed he was charged a massive cancellation fee while trying to cancel a wrongly booked flight ticket through Agoda. According to Bagga, the online portal offered only a small refund after deducting nearly ₹4,764 as cancellation charges, while the airline itself reportedly charged only ₹299. The incident triggered criticism over lack of transparency in online booking platforms and raised concerns over consumer protection in the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, the aviation industry continues to face pressure due to rising global fuel costs linked to the West Asia crisis and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Delhi government recently reduced VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 25% to 7% for six months to support airlines and maintain economic competitiveness. Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of improving connectivity and easing pressure on the aviation sector.