New Delhi, April 3: The central government has temporarily suspended its previous order mandating that at least 60% of flight seats be available for free selection. This directive was set to take effect on April 20.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation communicated this decision in a letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The review followed concerns raised by the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air regarding the operational and commercial implications of the rule.
Airlines expressed that this regulation could disrupt fare structures and is inconsistent with the current deregulated tariff system.
Considering these factors, the government has decided to hold off on implementing the provision for free seat selection until further notice.
Currently, passengers can book 20% of flight seats without any additional charges, while fees apply for the remaining seats. Airlines typically charge between ₹200 and ₹2,100 for seat selection, depending on the seat’s location and additional amenities like extra legroom.
The original directive, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on March 18, aimed to address growing passenger complaints, particularly regarding high fees for services like seat selection.
The ministry had also issued new guidelines through the DGCA, which included provisions to seat passengers traveling on the same PNR together, ideally in adjacent seats.
This decision comes at a time when India has emerged as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with over 500,000 passengers traveling through Indian airports daily.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to passenger convenience, transparency, and maintaining safety standards in the aviation sector.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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