Govt Directs Airlines to Offer 60% Seats Free, Ensure Family Seating
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a landmark directive to airlines, mandating that at least 60% of seats on every flight be allocated free of charge. This move, aimed at enhancing passenger convenience, also requires airlines to ensure that passengers booked under a single PNR are seated together, addressing long-standing complaints about families being split across rows.
New Norms for Transparency and Passenger Welfare
Through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the government has introduced new regulations to bring greater uniformity and transparency to airline practices. Under these norms, airlines must assign adjacent seats as far as possible for passengers on the same booking, a measure expected to significantly reduce grievances related to paid seat selection and scattered allotments.
The ministry emphasized that these steps are part of a broader initiative to strengthen passenger facilitation in India's rapidly growing aviation sector. With over five lakh passengers daily, India now ranks as the world's third-largest domestic market, making such reforms crucial for maintaining service quality.
Enhanced Policies for Sports Equipment, Pets, and Passenger Rights
In addition to seat allocation rules, the DGCA has instructed airlines to adopt transparent and passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, all within established safety and operational guidelines. This aims to provide clarity and consistency for travelers with special baggage needs.
The regulator has also reinforced passenger rights by mandating strict adherence to norms in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines are now required to prominently display passenger rights on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters, with communications in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility.
Building on Existing Initiatives for Improved Travel Experience
These new measures build upon ongoing government initiatives designed to enhance the overall travel experience. Examples include affordable airport eateries under the UDAN Yatri Cafés scheme, free Wi-Fi access, and the "Flybrary" program offering books to passengers. Together, these efforts aim to reduce grievances and make air travel more enjoyable and hassle-free for millions of Indians.
The directives mark a significant shift towards a more passenger-centric approach in the aviation industry, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing common complaints and fostering a transparent, user-friendly environment for all travelers.
