“Fair Access” In The Skies: Govt Mandates 60% Free Seats And Unified PNR Seating

NEW DELHI — In a major regulatory overhaul aimed at protecting air travellers from “unbundled” fees, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, directed all Indian airlines to provide at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge.

The move, enforced through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is a direct response to growing passenger complaints about being charged extra for almost every seat during web check-in or booking.

1. 60% Free Seat Allocation

Airlines must now ensure that a minimum of 60% of total capacity is available for selection without any additional “seat-selection” fees.

• The Problem: Previously, many carriers had moved toward a model where only a handful of “middle seats” were free, with windows, aisles, and front rows carrying a premium.
• The Solution: The mandate ensures “fair access” to a majority of seats, significantly lowering the overall cost for budget-conscious travellers.

2. Unified Seating for Families (Same PNR)

A common frustration for families—being split across different rows despite booking together—has been addressed.

• The Directive: If passengers are booked under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record), airlines are now mandated to seat them together.
• Preference: The government specifies that they should be seated in adjacent seats wherever operationally possible, without imposing “convenience fees” to keep the group together.

3. Specialized Cargo & Pet Policies

To bring “uniformity of practices” across carriers, the ministry has introduced transparency rules for non-standard baggage:

• Sports & Music: Transport for sports equipment and musical instruments must be handled in a “clear and passenger-friendly manner,” moving away from arbitrary pricing models.
• Pets: Airlines are now required to publish explicit and transparent policies for carrying pets, detailing costs and safety requirements upfront.

4. Regional Language Rights & Enforcement

In a push for inclusivity and awareness, the government has mandated:

• Regional Accessibility: All passenger rights and entitlements must be clearly displayed in regional languages across websites, mobile apps, and airport counters.
• Strict Compliance: Airlines must strictly adhere to the passenger rights framework regarding delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.

New Aviation Guidelines At-A-Glance