60% free seats 12airlines India: Govt strengthens passenger rights, transparency norms
In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and ensuring fair access to air travel, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed all airlines operating in India to allocate at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge. The directive, announced on March 18, 2026, forms part of a broader effort to strengthen passenger rights, improve transparency, and standardize airline practices across the country.
According to the Ministry’s latest press release, the decision is intended to ensure that passengers are not burdened with additional costs for basic services such as seat selection. By mandating that a majority of seats be made available without extra charges, the government seeks to make air travel more accessible and equitable, especially as passenger traffic continues to rise across Indian airports.
The directive has been issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has also outlined several additional measures to improve the overall travel experience. Among these is a requirement that passengers booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. This move is expected to benefit families and groups traveling together, who often face inconvenience due to scattered seating arrangements unless they pay additional fees.
In addition to seating reforms, the Ministry has emphasized the need for airlines to adopt clear and transparent policies regarding the carriage of pets. Airlines will now be required to communicate these policies more effectively to passengers, ensuring that there is no ambiguity or inconsistency in how such services are handled. Similarly, operators have been instructed to streamline and clarify rules related to the transportation of sports equipment and musical instruments, making the process more passenger-friendly.
A key focus of the new directives is the strict implementation of the passenger rights framework, particularly in situations involving flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. The Ministry has stressed that airlines must adhere to existing guidelines and ensure that passengers are fully informed of their entitlements in such scenarios. This includes compensation, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements, where applicable.
To improve awareness and accessibility, airlines have also been asked to prominently display passenger rights information across multiple platforms, including their official websites, mobile applications, booking portals, and airport counters. Importantly, the Ministry has directed that this information be made available in regional languages in addition to English, enabling a wider section of the population to understand their rights and make informed decisions.
The move comes at a time when Indian airports are witnessing unprecedented growth in passenger traffic, handling over five lakh travelers daily. With such high volumes, the government has reiterated that passenger facilitation remains its top priority. The latest measures are therefore aimed not only at addressing current challenges but also at preparing the aviation sector for future expansion.
Industry observers believe that while the directives are passenger-centric, they may require airlines to recalibrate their revenue models, particularly those that rely heavily on ancillary charges such as paid seat selection. However, the Ministry’s stance underscores its commitment to balancing commercial interests with consumer welfare.
Overall, the new guidelines signal a strong push towards a more transparent, accountable, and passenger-friendly aviation ecosystem in India. By addressing key pain points and standardizing practices, the government aims to ensure a smoother and more equitable travel experience for millions of air passengers across the country.
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