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No selection charges for 60% of seats: India introduces new rules for airlines
The civil aviation ministry said the new rules will ensure strict compliance with passenger rights
- PUBLISHED: Wed 18 Mar 2026, 12:44 PM
In a major relief for passengers travelling on Indian carriers, the civil aviation ministry has introduced new norms on Wednesday, instructing airlines to keep at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight free of charge for equitable access to passengers, who can also sit together preferably in adjacent seats if their tickets are under the same PNR.
Airlines have been ordered to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats on every flight without any seat selection charges and passengers are not forced to pay extra for choosing basic seating options. It has also asked airlines to seat passengers, travelling on the same PNR, together and preferably in adjacent seats.
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Thousands of passengers on India’s domestic carriers have been facing enormous challenges, where airlines inform them that free seats are only in the middle row and they have to pay hefty fees to get seats together elsewhere. The ministry said the new rules will ensure strict compliance with passenger rights, which are to be prominently displayed on the airlines’ websites, mobile apps, booking portals and airport counters.
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It reiterated that it is “committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem.”
Airlines also have to communicate these passenger entitlements in regional languages to raise awareness about their rights. They have also been told to make the transport of sports gear and musical instruments more transparent and passenger friendly. They have also to publish transparent policies regarding the carrying of pets.
Importantly for passengers, the government has rolled out other passenger-friendly services. UDAN Yatri Cafes will be set up at airports, where passengers are now having to shell out exorbitant rates for food and beverages. Similarly, complimentary Wi-Fi services at airports and ‘Flybrary’ facilities with free access to books will be provided at airports.
