Pawan Khera Blames Airline Turbulence on Growing Market Monopoly as Passenger–Staff Clashes Rise

Speaking in New Delhi, Khera said the core of the sector’s current turmoil lies in what he described as a “monopoly or duopoly,” noting that nearly 92 percent of India’s airline market is controlled by Indigo and the Tata Group’s aviation brands. According to him, such dominance has created a landscape where commercial interests outweigh passenger welfare, ultimately influencing government decisions meant to safeguard travelers.

Khera alleged that the government recently withdrew proposed passenger-safety guidelines under pressure from leading carriers. He argued that when the industry is effectively run by only two companies, policymaking becomes susceptible to corporate influence. “If two people run the party, two run the government, and two run the business, then this is exactly what will happen,” he said, pointing to recent altercations at airports as symptomatic of a deeper structural crisis.

The Congress leader linked incidents—including scenes of passengers and airline staff exchanging heated words and even physical scuffles—to what he sees as a broader failure of regulation and accountability. Although authorities have not publicly commented on Khera’s specific claims, the government has previously maintained that its aviation policies prioritize safety and consumer protection.

Khera’s remarks add new political weight to an ongoing national conversation around aviation reforms, rising passenger dissatisfaction, and the responsibilities of private carriers amid an expanding domestic air-travel market. As India prepares for one of its busiest travel seasons, the debate over competition, regulation, and consumer rights is likely to intensify.