Under the India new airline passenger rules, the Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered airlines to keep 60% of seats free from selection charges, mandate adjacent seating for the same booking, and strengthen passenger rights to curb hidden fees and improve the travel experience.
Government Caps Seat Fees, Targets Hidden Charges
The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 percent of seats on every flight are free from selection charges, responding to growing complaints over hidden costs.
The move addresses concerns raised by passengers who say airlines increasingly charge extra for preferred seating, including window, aisle and extra legroom options. Only a limited number of seats, often middle rows at the rear, were previously available without additional fees.
Officials say the India new airline passenger rules aim to make air travel more transparent and affordable, protecting passengers from unfair pricing practices. The directive comes as the country’s aviation sector expands rapidly and scrutiny over airline pricing intensifies.
Airlines Told To Seat Families Together
In a parallel directive, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to seat passengers traveling on the same Passenger Name Record, or PNR, together, preferably in adjacent seats.
A key focus of the India new airline passenger rules is addressing the long-standing problem of families and groups being separated unless they pay extra. Regulators emphasized that passengers traveling together should not be split due to pricing structures, prioritizing convenience and fairness.
Industry experts say the move could require airlines to adjust automated seat allocation systems. “This will likely reduce ancillary revenue but improve customer satisfaction significantly,” said an aviation analyst based in New Delhi.
New Transparency Norms Strengthen Passenger Rights
The India new airline passenger rules also introduce broader protections, requiring airlines to clearly display policies on delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets across all platforms.
Additionally, carriers are asked to present passenger rights in regional languages to improve accessibility across India’s diverse population.
The reforms come as India cements its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has become the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with airports handling more than 500,000 passengers daily.
The government says passenger facilitation remains a top priority. Initiatives such as affordable airport food outlets, free Wi-Fi and in-terminal libraries are part of broader efforts to improve the travel experience.
According to the government, the India new airline passenger rules are designed to make flying more passenger-friendly while ensuring that industry growth is matched with fairness and accessibility. Airlines are expected to comply in the coming weeks, though no strict deadline has been announced.
