NEW DELHI: Airlines have been directed to allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge on domestic flights and ensure passengers on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) are seated together, as part of new passenger-friendly measures announced by the government on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to issue necessary directions to enforce these norms, aimed at addressing growing concerns over high charges levied by airlines for seat selection and other services.
Under the new guidelines, a majority of seats must be made available without additional cost to ensure fair access for passengers. Airlines have also been instructed to seat passengers booked under the same PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats.
At present, 20 per cent of the seats can be booked free of charge while the rest is paid, according to an airline official.
In another move to redress the agony caused to flyers due to musical instruments or sports kits getting damaged during trips, the Ministry said, “Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations.”
Emphasising passenger rights, the government called for strict compliance with existing norms, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Airlines must prominently display passenger rights across websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters, and communicate entitlements clearly, including in regional languages.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said important directions have been issued to further strengthen passenger facilitation measures.
"60 per cent seats free of charge, assured seating together for families, and clear, transparent norms for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments & pets," he said.