The Centre has asked airlines to make at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight available without extra charges as part of a wider push to make air travel simpler and fairer for passengers.
In fresh directions issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also told airlines to seat passengers booked under the same PNR together – preferably next to each other – and to follow uniform, transparent practices across the sector.
The move comes as air travel in India continues to expand rapidly, with more first-time flyers entering the system and passenger volumes crossing five lakh a day. The government has been working to standardise services and reduce complaints as the aviation market grows.
Clear rules on seating, baggage and passenger entitlements
The ministry said airlines must handle items such as sports gear and musical instruments in a more transparent and passenger-friendly way, within safety norms. Carriers have also been asked to publish clear policies for travelling with pets.
“Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for the carriage of pets,” said the ministry.
It has further directed airlines to strictly follow passenger rights guidelines, especially in cases of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Information about these rights must be displayed clearly on airline websites, apps, booking platforms, and airport counters.
Airlines have also been instructed to provide information about passenger rights in regional languages.
Focus on convenience as aviation sector expands
India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with schemes like UDAN making flying more accessible. The ministry said passenger convenience remains a key priority.
It highlighted initiatives such as affordable food at UDAN Yatri Cafes, free book access through Flybrary, and free Wi-Fi at airports as part of efforts to improve the overall travel experience.
“Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has undertaken several passenger-centric initiatives to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books, and provision of free Wi-Fi at airports,” said the official statement.
According to the ministry, these steps are aimed at making air travel more transparent, reducing grievances, and maintaining high safety standards across the aviation ecosystem.