New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience, the government has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60% of seats on every flight are provided free of charge, a step designed to make air travel more accessible and transparent for flyers.
The directive is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to standardise passenger services and strengthen consumer rights across airlines. Until now, only a limited number of seats were available without additional charges during booking or check-in.
Alongside this, airlines have been instructed to seat passengers travelling under the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats, addressing a common concern among families and group travellers, as per the official release.
The government has also asked carriers to adopt clearer and more passenger-friendly policies for the transport of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, while ensuring adherence to safety and operational norms.
In a bid to enhance transparency, airlines must prominently display passenger rights across their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters. They are also required to communicate these entitlements in regional languages to improve awareness and accessibility.
Strict compliance with passenger rights—especially in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding—has been emphasised as a key requirement under the new guidelines.
These measures come as India’s aviation sector continues to expand rapidly. The country is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily. The government attributes this growth to increased regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme and a sustained focus on making air travel more inclusive.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem, the release said.
