Former Maharashtra CM Chavan warns of aviation monopoly, seeks breakup of IndiGo

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Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan speaking successful  a property   conference.

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan speaking successful a property conference. | Photo Credit: MANJUNATH HS

Senior Congress person and erstwhile Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan connected Monday (December 8, 2025) cautioned that the attraction of India’s aviation marketplace successful the hands of 2 backstage players poses a “serious threat” to the system and rider interests. He demanded that crisis-hit IndiGo beryllium divided into 2 companies to reconstruct just competition.

Addressing reporters successful Mumbai, Mr. Chavan noted that IndiGo controls nearly 65% of the home market, portion the Tata Group’s Air India and AI Express unneurotic clasp adjacent to 30%. “In 2004, India had 10 operational airlines. Today, lone 2 large companies remain. For 40 crore passengers, this is alarming and volition worsen successful the future,” helium said.

Calling the caller question of IndiGo flight disruptions “shocking and unfortunate,” helium blamed regulatory lapses and alleged collusion betwixt the authorities and backstage carriers. He sought the resignation of Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, suspension of IndiGo’s CEO, and enactment against DGCA officials.

“Our person Rahul Gandhi has spoken astir the interaction of the monopoly respective times and contiguous we are seeing the worst benignant of impact. Monopoly successful aviation is unsafe for the country. I americium urging the Centre to headdress marketplace stock astatine 30% for immoderate airline, divided IndiGo into 2 entities, and revive a nationalist carrier.” He besides renewed his telephone for implementing the Civil Aviation Authority projected during the UPA epoch to fortify oversight.

Crisis and opportunity

Mr. Chavan further demanded a ₹1,000 crore compensation money for passengers affected by IndiGo’s disruptions and overpriced fares. Accusing the Competition Commission of failing to curb monopolistic practices, helium called for its dissolution and replacement with a stronger regulatory body.

Adding a governmental dimension, Mr. Chavan questioned whether regulatory inaction was linked to governmental funding. Citing recent data, helium alleged that the BJP received ₹56 crore done electoral bonds linked to IndiGo. “This raises superior doubts astir struggle of involvement and calls for a afloat audit of governmental backing from aviation companies,” helium said. 

He besides expressed interest implicit reports of Gautam Adani’s plans to grow into aviation, suggesting that IndiGo’s situation mightiness make an accidental for the Adani Group. “The anticipation of Adani entering the assemblage makes transparency and strict regulatory oversight adjacent much critical,” Mr. Chavan warned. 

Published - December 08, 2025 10:06 p.m. IST

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