Govt directs airlines to offer 60% seats free, ensure families sit together

The Centre on Wednesday directed airlines to refrain from levying additional charges on at least 60% of seats on domestic flights, as part of a broader push to enhance passenger convenience and transparency.

The civil aviation ministry said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed carriers to allocate a minimum of 60% of seats free of charge to ensure fair access for passengers. At present, only around 20% of seats are available without additional fees, according to an airline official.

Same PNR travellers to get adjacent seats

In a parallel move, airlines have been asked to ensure that passengers travelling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. “These directions are applicable for domestic flights,” an official said.

Announcing the measures, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the government has issued key directives to strengthen passenger facilitation. “60% seats free of charge, assured seating together for families, and clear, transparent norms for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments and pets,” he said in a post on X.

The steps come amid rising concerns over airlines charging high fees for ancillary services, including seat selection.

The ministry also said stronger enforcement and visibility of passenger rights, particularly during delays, and cancellations.

Here are the key guidelines

Passengers on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats — a long-standing concern for families and group travellers.

Transparent and passenger-friendly policies for carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments, subject to safety and operational norms; airlines must also clearly define rules for travelling with pets.

Strict adherence to passenger rights framework in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

Prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters.

Clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to improve accessibility and awareness.

According to the ministry, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with air travel becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme. Indian airports now handle over five lakh passengers daily, underscoring the sector’s rapid expansion.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said passenger facilitation remains its top priority. In line with this focus, it has rolled out several traveller-friendly initiatives to improve the flying experience, including UDAN Yatri Cafés offering affordable food, ‘Flybrary’ for free access to books, and complimentary Wi-Fi services at airports.