DGCA Mandates 60% Free Flight Seats Starting April 20

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a significant directive requiring all domestic airlines to provide at least 60% of their flight seats without any additional seat selection charges. This new regulation, set to take effect from April 20, marks a substantial shift from the current practice where only a small fraction of seats are available for free booking. According to officials, the move is designed to protect consumer interests and simplify the booking process for families and groups traveling together, while currently, airlines monetize up to 80% of their seating capacity through various surcharges.

Amendment to Air Transport Circular

The Ministry of Civil Aviation initiated the process on March 18 by issuing specific instructions to the regulator. Following this, the DGCA modified its Air Transport Circular on March 20 to incorporate the new seat allocation norms. Under the revised circular, airlines are now legally bound to keep 60% of their total inventory in the free category. This is a major departure from the existing system where passengers often pay between ₹200 and ₹2,100 for preferred seating, including front rows and emergency exit seats with extra legroom. The 30-day implementation window ensures that all booking systems are updated by the April 20 deadline.

Adjacent Seating for Same PNR Passengers

One of the critical aspects of the new DGCA directive addresses the long-standing grievance of families being separated during seat allocation, while the regulator has clarified that for passengers traveling on a single PNR (Passenger Name Record), airlines must ensure they're seated together or in close proximity as far as practicable. This rule aims to eliminate the practice where families are forced to pay extra fees just to sit next to each other, while the DGCA emphasized that the convenience of passengers traveling in groups should be prioritized during the automated seat assignment process.

Transparency in Ancillary Charges and Liability

Beyond seat selection, the DGCA has mandated increased transparency regarding ancillary services. Airlines are now required to clearly display charges for carrying specialized equipment, such as sports gear or musical instruments, on their websites and booking portals. Plus, the terms and conditions regarding the airline's liability in case of damage to such equipment must be explicitly stated. This move is intended to provide passengers with a comprehensive understanding of the total cost of travel and the protections available to them before they complete their purchase.

Industry Response and Potential Impact on Fares

The aviation industry has expressed reservations regarding the new mandate. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, submitted a formal letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on March 20. The federation argued that seat selection fees constitute a vital component of their non-fuel revenue. According to the FIA, the requirement to offer 60% of seats for free could lead to a significant revenue shortfall. The airlines have indicated that to sustain operations and offset these losses, they may be forced to increase base airfares across their networks. Currently, India sees approximately 5 lakh domestic passengers daily.