Air travel in India could soon become more passenger-friendly, with the government introducing sweeping new rules. From seat allocation changes to clearer rights, flyers may notice a significant shift in how airlines operate.
Govt mandates 60% seats in flights to be free
New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are made available free of cost during booking.
According to an official release, the measure is intended to ensure fair access for passengers and bring greater transparency to airline practices. Earlier, only a limited number of seats were offered without additional charges, with many flyers required to pay extra for preferred seating.
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The new directive is part of a broader set of reforms introduced to standardise airline operations across the country. Authorities said the guidelines aim to enhance transparency and create a more uniform experience for passengers regardless of the airline they choose.
Airlines have also been instructed to clearly display passenger rights on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms and airport counters.
Another key rule focuses on group travel. Airlines must now ensure that passengers booking tickets under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) are seated together.
The government has emphasised that seating such passengers adjacently should be the preferred approach, addressing a long-standing concern among families and group travellers.
The new framework also requires airlines to adopt transparent and passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment and musical instruments, subject to safety regulations.
Additionally, carriers must publish clear guidelines regarding the transport of pets, making the process easier and more predictable for travellers.
The ministry has reiterated strict compliance with passenger rights, particularly in cases of flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding. Airlines are also required to share information about passenger entitlements in regional languages to improve awareness and accessibility.
The latest measures are expected to significantly improve the overall flying experience in India, making air travel more convenient and consumer-friendly.
