SRINAGAR: The Centre has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every domestic flight are made available without additional charges to promote fair access, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.
The Ministry has issued the following directions through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):
1. Minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access
2. Passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably in…— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) March 18, 2026
In a statement, the ministry said passenger convenience remains a priority and highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the travel experience, including affordable food at UDAN Yatri Cafés, free access to books through Flybrary, and complimentary Wi-Fi at airports.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued instructions to airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats free of charge. Currently, only around 20 per cent of seats are available without extra cost, while the rest require payment, according to an airline official.
Airlines have also been asked to ensure that passengers travelling under the same PNR are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, as part of efforts to enhance passenger facilitation.
Officials said these directives apply to domestic flights and come amid growing concerns over high charges levied by airlines for services such as seat selection.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, in a post on X, said the measures include free allocation of 60 per cent seats, ensuring families are seated together, and introducing clear and transparent norms for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments and pets.
He added that enforcement of passenger rights will be strengthened, particularly in cases of delays and cancellations.
