DGCA issues new airline guidelines: Mandates 60% free seat allocation to make air travel more affordable

In a move to make flying easier and more passenger-friendly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new directions to airlines, which include the mandatory requirement for airlines to provide at least 60% of the seats on every flight free of charge.

The new rule means passengers will not have to pay extra if they choose any seat among the 60% seats, while the airlines will be able to charge extra for the remaining 40% seats.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said these steps are aimed at improving transparency, convenience and overall travel experience for passengers. India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with more than five lakh passengers passing through the airports every day.

The Government of India has been taking various steps to make air travel more passenger-friendly in recent times. As part of the schemes like UDAN, air travel is now more accessible than ever before. Facilities like UDAN Yatri Cafés offering affordable food options, Flybrary offering free books, and free Wi-Fi are also being made available at the airports.

In addition to this, as part of the latest guidelines, airlines have been advised to follow a more standardised and transparent system. The DGCA has directed:

  • At least 60% of seats on every flight must be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access
  • Passengers with the same PNR should be seated together, preferably next to each other
  • Clear information should be provided regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets
  • Airlines must strictly follow passenger rights guidelines, especially during flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding
  • Display of passenger rights on the websites, applications, and booking platforms of the airlines, as well as at the airport counter
  • Information regarding the rights of the passengers also needs to be disseminated in the regional languages to raise awareness among the passengers

The Ministry stated that the comfort of the passengers is the utmost priority, and these measures are likely to reduce the complaints with improved service standards.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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