DGCA Implements New Rule for Free Seat Selection: 60% of Seats Must Be Offered Without Charge
Synopsis
Starting April 20, passengers in India will enjoy greater ease in seat selection, as the DGCA mandates that airlines provide at least 60% of seats at no additional cost. This change aims to improve passenger experience amid rising fees.
Key Takeaways
DGCA mandates airlines to offer 60% of seats free .
New guidelines aim to address high seat selection fees .
Airlines must maintain transparent seat allocation systems.
Passengers traveling under the same PNR will be seated close together.
Airlines are required to disclose fees for optional services .
New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) Passengers traveling domestically in India can look forward to easier seat selection without incurring extra costs, as airlines will be obligated to provide at least 60 percent of seats free of charge beginning April 20, following new regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
This initiative stems from directives issued by the civil aviation ministry in response to rising concerns regarding excessive seat selection fees imposed by airlines.
The DGCA has released a revised circular stipulating that a significant proportion of seats on each flight must be accessible without any added fees.
According to the new guidelines, airlines are also required to uphold a transparent seat assignment system and prominently display the availability of complimentary seats along with associated conditions on their booking sites.
Passengers booking under the same PNR should be seated as closely as possible, ideally in adjacent seats.
Currently, only about 20 percent of seats are offered at no cost, with charges for selecting remaining seats ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 based on seat location and additional legroom.
This new directive is anticipated to provide relief to travelers, particularly families and groups flying together. Nevertheless, airlines have expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of these changes.
In addition to seat allocation guidelines, the DGCA has mandated that airlines transparently display fees for optional services, such as transporting sports gear or musical instruments, alongside terms related to liability for any potential damages.
Earlier this week, DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai mentioned that the regulator aims to simplify regulations for airlines while simultaneously safeguarding passenger rights.
At the Indian Chamber of Commerce Aviation and Tourism Summit, Kidwai emphasized that the regulator is striving to balance passenger rights with the growth of airlines.
“India’s aviation sector is among the fastest-growing globally, yet airlines are facing numerous operational challenges,” he remarked.
Point of View
The new DGCA regulation represents a significant shift towards enhancing passenger rights in India. By mandating that a majority of seats be available free of charge, the DGCA aims to address consumer concerns while also balancing the operational challenges faced by airlines. The move appears to be a step in the right direction for improving the travel experience.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new seat selection rules take effect?
The new rules will take effect on April 20.
What percentage of seats must be available free of charge?
Airlines are required to offer at least 60% of seats free of charge.
Why were these new rules introduced?
The new rules were introduced in response to concerns regarding high seat selection charges by airlines.
Will passengers traveling together be seated close to one another?
Yes, airlines must ensure that passengers on the same booking are seated as close together as possible.
What is the current percentage of free seats offered by airlines?
Currently, only around 20% of seats are offered free of charge.
