In a major passenger-friendly move, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge, alongside a series of new guidelines aimed at improving transparency and passenger convenience. The directives have been issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines
60% Free Seat Allocation:
Airlines must now offer a minimum of 60% of seats on every flight without additional charges, ensuring fair access for passengers who prefer not to pay for seat selection.
Families & Groups to Sit Together:
Passengers travelling on the same PNR must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats—bringing relief to families and group travellers.
Clear Rules for Pets:
Airlines are required to establish and publish transparent policies regarding the carriage of pets, a long-standing grey area for many travellers.
Ease for Special Baggage:
Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments must be handled in a more transparent and passenger-friendly manner, within safety norms.
Stronger Passenger Rights Enforcement:
Airlines must strictly adhere to passenger rights, especially in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Greater Transparency & Communication:
Passenger rights must be prominently displayed across airline websites, apps, and airport counters
Information must be communicated in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility
What This Means for Flyers
The move is expected to significantly reduce ancillary costs for passengers, particularly those travelling with families. Seat selection fees—often a pain point—will now be limited, making air travel more affordable and equitable.
Seating passengers on the same PNR together also addresses a common grievance, especially among families with children and elderly travellers.
Government’s Passenger-Centric Push
The Ministry reiterated that passenger facilitation remains a top priority. Recent initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafés, Flybrary, and free Wi-Fi at airports are part of a broader push to enhance the travel experience across India.
Growing Aviation Market
India continues to cement its position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, now ranking as the third-largest domestic aviation market. With Indian airports handling over five lakh passengers daily, the need for standardised, passenger-friendly practices has become increasingly critical.
These new DGCA directives are expected to bring greater uniformity across airlines while ensuring a more seamless and transparent experience for air travellers in the country.
