The new rules seek to reduce additional fees, ensure families can sit together, and enhance transparency.
Dubai: In response to growing passenger complaints over airline seat fees, India has instructed carriers to offer at least 60% of seats on every flight at no extra cost, aiming to enhance fairness and transparency for travelers.
The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, tackles a long-standing concern among travelers over hidden fees for seat selection across airlines.
Seat fees in focus
Airlines currently charge extra for seats based on location, with window, aisle, and extra-legroom seats often carrying higher fees, leaving only a limited number of complimentary seats, usually in less desirable rows.
The new rule rebalances seat allocation, guaranteeing that most seats can be chosen at no extra cost, providing passengers greater flexibility and reducing the need to pay for standard seating preferences.
The ministry stated that the move aims to ensure fair access, especially as air travel continues to grow rapidly across the country.
Families to sit together
A key change focuses on group travel, a frequent source of passenger frustration. Airlines are now required to seat travelers booked under the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats.
This addresses common situations where families and groups are split across rows, often causing last-minute seat swaps and disputes before departure.
Clear rules on baggage and pets
The regulator has also directed airlines to implement transparent policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets—areas that previously saw inconsistent pricing and rules across carriers.
“Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments will be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, in line with applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines are also required to provide clear and transparent policies for pet transport.”
The initiative is expected to give passengers greater clarity, addressing the inconsistent charges and rules that often vary between airlines.
Enhanced visibility of passenger rights
Airlines have been instructed to strictly adhere to passenger rights regulations, especially regarding delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, while also ensuring that these rights are clearly communicated and easily accessible to travelers.
“Passenger rights should be prominently displayed across airline websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and airport counters.”
The ministry has also instructed airlines to communicate passenger entitlements in regional languages to enhance accessibility and awareness.
Fast-growing market
India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly, now ranking as the world’s third-largest domestic market, with airports handling over 500,000 passengers daily.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the reforms are part of a wider initiative to enhance the overall passenger experience.
“60% of seats free of charge, guaranteed seating together for families, and clear, transparent rules for transporting sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.”
Consumer impact
The reforms are expected to make air travel easier for millions of passengers by cutting hidden costs, improving access to preferred seats, and ensuring clearer communication from airlines.
With stronger enforcement and more visible passenger rights, the new framework aims to deliver a more predictable and passenger-friendly experience across India’s rapidly growing aviation market.
