The government has issued a series of new directives to airlines requiring them to reserve at least 60 percent of seats on every flight for free seat selection, a move aimed at ensuring fair and equitable access for passengers while enhancing overall travel convenience. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the new measures through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), introducing a standardized framework to improve transparency, passenger experience, and consistency in airline services across the country.
Passengers on the Same Booking to Be Seated Together
Under the new guidelines, airlines have been instructed to ensure that passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) are seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, without unnecessary inconvenience. The directive seeks to benefit families, senior citizens, and group travelers by minimizing seat separation during flights. The ministry emphasized that airlines should adopt passenger-friendly practices while maintaining transparency in their seat allocation policies.
Clear Policies Required for Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments and Pets
The government has also directed airlines to simplify and standardize the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments, ensuring transparent procedures and eliminating confusion regarding baggage handling.
Additionally, airlines have been instructed to formulate and publicly disclose clear and transparent pet transportation policies, enabling passengers to understand the rules, applicable charges, and travel requirements before booking.
Stronger Protection for Passenger Rights
The Ministry has reiterated the need for strict compliance with the country’s passenger rights framework, particularly in cases involving flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines have been instructed to provide timely assistance, compensation, and other entitlements wherever applicable, ensuring that passengers are treated fairly during service disruptions.
Passenger Rights to Be Displayed Prominently
To improve public awareness, airlines must prominently display passenger rights on their official websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport service counters. The ministry has also directed carriers to communicate passenger entitlements in regional languages, making the information more accessible to a wider range of travelers and promoting greater awareness of consumer rights. The latest directives are expected to strengthen consumer confidence in the aviation sector while encouraging airlines to adopt more transparent, consistent, and passenger-centric service standards.
