India’s Civil Aviation Mandates Airlines to Allocate Minimum 60% Seats Free of Charge

Last updated: 13 June 2026 12:47

3 Min Read

An IndiGo Airbus aircraft connected to an aerobridge at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, India © Moheen Reeyad

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in India has directed airlines to allocate minimum 60% of seats for selection on flights free of charge. Today they issued rules through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to strengthen passenger transparency, convenience and uniformity.

A forward-facing view of an empty Lufthansa economy class airplane cabin. Rows of modern passenger seats with dark blue upholstery flank a single central aisle. — The economy class cabin interior of a Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner © Lufthansa

60% of Free for Selection Seats to Allocated

This move is also to reduce hidden costs associated with seat allocation, during the booking and checking process. There has been a change in guidelines where passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) can be seated together. This measure was put in place to ensure that families and groups can sit together without any additional charges.

The Ministry also added that the carriage of sports equipment musical instruments is to be used in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner. The airlines have also been instructed to give clear and transparent policies for pets in carriages. This area has historically been inconsistent across carriers and has often led to confusion and unexpected charges for passengers.

A wide, daytime shot of an Air India Express Boeing 737-800 passenger jet taxiing on a damp airport runway surface. The plane features its signature wavy red and white fuselage design and illustrative tail artwork. — An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 commercial aircraft taxiing on a wet runway © Prateek Karandikar

More Transparency for Passenger Rights on Flights

There has also been a strict adherence to the passenger rights framework, in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding has also been directed by the government. Airlines are now required to display passengers rights on its websites, booking platforms, mobile apps and even airport counters. Communication has to always be clear and ensure the passenger entitlements are in regional languages to provide wider accessibility and awareness.

These new changes in guidelines are the reflection of the government’s broader effort to enhance transparency and to streamline airlines practices to help rapidly grow in the aviation market. With air travel demand rising in India, the reforms are aimed at ensuring a smoother and fairer experience for passengers. As well as reducing and upholding safety across the aviation industry in India.

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ByMichelle Owusuaa

Aviation Reporter - A driven media professional and aspiring magazine journalist and self-published author, with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing from Oxford Brookes University. Inspired by writers such as Maya Angelou, they balance professional work alongside personal projects, maintaining a strong commitment to creative independence through their podcast and blogs.