In a significant move for air travellers, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all domestic airlines to make at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight available for selection at no additional charge. The directive, issued through the DGCA, comes into effect as part of a broader push to reduce hidden costs and improve transparency in the booking process.
Until now, only around 20 per cent of seats were available without an extra fee, with airlines charging for the majority of preferred options. The new rule does not affect base fares but eliminates surcharges for seat selection across the majority of the cabin.
Airlines have also been asked to ensure that passengers travelling on the same booking reference are seated together, a relief for families and groups who previously had to pay to secure adjacent seats.
Additional measures include clearer guidelines on carrying sports equipment, musical instruments and pets, and a requirement for airlines to display passenger rights prominently across all booking platforms and airport counters, including in regional languages.
India is currently the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, handling over five lakh passengers daily.
