In a significant relief for air travellers, the government has issued sweeping new directives to airlines, targeting additional charges and improving overall passenger experience.

At the centre of the move is a crackdown on seat selection fees. Airlines, which have long charged extra for preferred seating during booking or web check-in, have now been directed to ensure that a substantial portion of seats, up to 60%, are made available free of cost.

The move aims to ensure “fair access” and reduce the financial burden on passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also instructed airlines to seat passengers booked under the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats. This is expected to significantly improve convenience for families and groups, who were often forced to pay additional charges to sit together.

In addition, airlines must introduce clear, transparent, and passenger-friendly policies for the carriage of pets, sports equipment, and musical instruments, while strictly adhering to safety and operational norms. This step aims to eliminate confusion and unexpected costs for travellers carrying special items.

The directive goes a step further by reinforcing passenger rights in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

Airlines have been asked to prominently display these rights across their websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and airport counters. To improve accessibility, communication of these rights in regional languages has also been mandated.

The move comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid growth, emerging as the world’s third-largest domestic market. With over five lakh passengers flying daily, the government has increasingly focused on making air travel more passenger-centric.

Initiatives such as affordable food through UDAN Yatri Cafés, free Wi-Fi at airports, and “Flybrary” services offering access to books have already been introduced to enhance the travel experience.

The latest directive is part of a broader push to bring uniformity in airline practices, reduce passenger grievances, and ensure transparency across services. While airlines are yet to fully respond, the order signals a clear shift toward stronger consumer protection in India’s fast-expanding aviation landscape.

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