In a significant consumer-focused regulatory move, the Government of India has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 percent of seats on every flight are offered without additional seat selection charges, marking a policy shift aimed at enhancing transparency and protecting passenger rights in the rapidly growing aviation market.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), comes in response to mounting complaints over hidden costs and differential pricing practices adopted by airlines. Passengers have increasingly raised concerns about being charged extra for preferred seating, including window, aisle, and extra legroom seats, which has been viewed as a form of unregulated ancillary revenue generation.
Under the revised norms, airlines will be required to rationalise their pricing structures to ensure that a majority of seats at least 60 percent are available without any additional selection fee. Policy analysts view this as an attempt to curb opaque pricing practices and bring greater regulatory oversight to the aviation sector’s ancillary revenue streams, which have grown significantly in recent years.
In addition to pricing reforms, the regulator has mandated that passengers booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. This addresses a long-standing consumer grievance, particularly among families and group travellers, and introduces a service standard that airlines must incorporate into their operational policies.
The new framework also strengthens passenger rights enforcement in areas such as flight delays, cancellations, and denial of boarding. Airlines have been instructed to prominently display passenger rights across digital and physical platforms, including websites, mobile applications, booking interfaces, and airport counters. The directive aligns with broader consumer protection principles and aims to improve awareness and accountability in service delivery.
Further, the DGCA has called for standardised and transparent policies regarding the carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets areas that have frequently led to disputes due to inconsistent rules and high charges. Airlines are required to ensure that such policies are clearly communicated, aligned with safety regulations, and made accessible in multiple regional languages to enhance inclusivity.
From a trade and policy perspective, these measures reflect the government’s effort to balance market growth with consumer protection in one of the world’s fastest-expanding aviation sectors. India, now the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, handles over 500,000 passengers daily, making regulatory clarity and standardisation critical for sustainable growth.
The move also signals a shift towards tighter oversight of airline business models, particularly in relation to ancillary revenues such as seat selection, baggage fees, and onboard services. By limiting arbitrary charges and enforcing transparency, the government aims to create a more competitive and consumer-friendly market environment.
Complementing these regulatory steps, the Ministry has also introduced passenger facilitation initiatives at airports, including affordable food outlets under the UDAN scheme, free access to reading spaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi services. These measures form part of a broader policy approach to improve passenger experience while maintaining affordability.
As the aviation sector continues to expand, the latest directives are expected to set a precedent for stronger regulatory intervention, ensuring that commercial practices remain aligned with consumer rights, fair pricing principles, and the broader objectives of India’s aviation policy framework.