Flying in Formation: Competition Law Challenges and Regulatory Oversight in India’s Aviation Sector

Abstract Indian’s aviation sector is known for it rapid growing pace globally within an oligopolistic framework dominated by a few key players. But this market structure leaves a scar for potential anti-competitive conduct, including collusive pricing and abuse of dominance. The Competition Commission of India has empowered under the Competition Act, 2002 and strengthened by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding competitive integrity. This paper examines interplay between competition law and civil aviation, analysing key enforcement actions, merger approvals, and cartel investigations alongside addressing collusively patterned cartels, approach to market definition framework aligning with global best practices. By assessing regulatory oversight alongside industry behaviour, the study underscores the importance of transparency, proactive enforcement, and refined legal tools to ensure that India’s skies remain open, competitive, and conducive to sustainable growth in both service quality and consumer welfare.