New Delhi — The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended its earlier directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight free of additional charge, a rule that was scheduled to take effect from April 20.
In a communication to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the ministry said the decision followed representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air. These stakeholders raised concerns about operational and commercial implications, including potential impacts on fare structures and alignment with the current deregulated tariff regime.
The government stated that the provision mandating at least 60 per cent free seat selection would remain in abeyance until a comprehensive review is completed.
Currently, around 20 per cent of seats on flights can be selected without extra charge, while passengers must pay for the rest. Airlines typically levy fees ranging from ₹200 to ₹2,100 for seat selection, depending on factors such as front-row placement or extra legroom.
The original directive, issued on March 18, was aimed at addressing rising passenger complaints about high ancillary charges, including seat selection fees. The ministry had also instructed that passengers booked under the same PNR should be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, as part of passenger-friendly measures.
The suspension comes at a time when India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with airports handling more than five lakh passengers daily. The ministry said it remains committed to improving passenger convenience, ensuring transparency and maintaining safety standards across the aviation sector.
With inputs from IANS