In a significant step aimed at protecting air travellers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to keep at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight free from additional charges, addressing long-standing concerns over hidden fees.
The move comes amid rising criticism of seat selection charges, where window, aisle, and extra-legroom seats are often priced higher than standard ones. Until now, only a limited number of middle and rear seats were available without extra cost, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among passengers, many of whom have raised concerns on social media over what they see as unfair practices by airlines.
Through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ministry has also instructed airlines to seat passengers travelling under the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats. This is aimed at resolving a common issue faced by families and groups who are often separated and left to negotiate seating with other passengers.
The ministry has further stressed the importance of protecting passenger rights in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines have been asked to clearly display these rights across booking platforms, mobile apps, airport counters, and official websites to ensure better transparency and awareness.
Additionally, the aviation regulator has directed airlines to adopt clear and consistent policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets. While these policies must meet safety and operational requirements, the DGCA has emphasised that they should be communicated in a simple, passenger-friendly manner, including in regional languages, to reduce confusion.
India, now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, handles over five lakh passengers daily. The Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterated that passenger convenience remains a top priority and highlighted initiatives such as UDAN Cafes for affordable meals, Flybrary for free access to books, and free WiFi services at major airports.
