New Delhi : Air travellers in India may soon see a major relief in hidden costs, with the government stepping in to curb extra charges on seat selection. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airline operators to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on any flight are allocated free of cost for selection. The order, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, aims to make air travel more accessible and transparent.
The new direction seeks to address these practices and ensure “fair access” for passengers. The ministry has also asked airlines to ensure that passengers travelling on the same PNR are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. The DGCA has been asked to issue further instructions to improve passenger experience across multiple areas.
Airlines will need to facilitate the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, while adhering to safety norms. They have also been asked to publish clear policies for the carriage of pets, an area that has often led to confusion among travellers. The government has reinforced the need for strict compliance with passenger rights, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.
India’s domestic aviation sector has grown rapidly, emerging as the third-largest market globally, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily. Against this backdrop, the ministry has stressed that “passenger facilitation remains the highest priority”, pointing to initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food and free Wi-Fi at airports.
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