Govt tightens airline norms: 60% seats must be free for selection, families to be seated together

The government on Wednesday directed airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge and ensure passengers on the same booking are seated together, as part of efforts to strengthen passenger convenience and standardise practices across airlines.

The directions, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), come amid rising concerns over ancillary charges levied by airlines, particularly for seat selection.

A minimum of 60% of seats on any flight will have to be “allocated free of charge to ensure fair access”, according to the official statement.

Airlines have also been asked to ensure that “passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats”, addressing a key concern among families and group travellers.

The government has directed airlines to adopt transparent and passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments and pets, subject to safety regulations.

The ministry has emphasised “strict adherence to passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding”.

Carriers have been told to ensure “prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters”, and provide “clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness”.

The move is part of a broader effort to standardise practices across airlines, reduce grievances and improve passenger experience as domestic air traffic continues to expand.

“Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” it said.

The government has undertaken several passenger-centric measures to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafés for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books and provision of free Wi-Fi at airports.

India is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily.