Centre Rolls Back 60% Free Flight Seat Allocation Order Weeks After Announcement
The civil aviation ministry has suspended its recent directive that required airlines to allow passengers to select at least 60% of seats for free on every flight. The government announced the rollback less than three weeks after issuing the rule on March 17 as part of its passenger rights initiative. The ministry stated that the provision will remain “in abeyance till further orders” while it conducts a detailed review of the matter.
Ministry Orders Suspension After Airline Industry Pushback
According to an official letter dated April 2 and addressed to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the ministry decided to pause the policy pending a “comprehensive examination.” The move came after strong representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) and Akasa Air, who raised concerns over the rule’s impact on ticket pricing and its compatibility with India’s deregulated airfare system. Airlines warned that such a mandate could force them to increase base fares to recover revenue losses from seat-selection fees.
Other Passenger-Friendly Rules Will Continue
The government clarified that the suspension applies only to the 60% free seat-selection requirement. Other parts of the March 17 circular remain in effect. The DGCA will continue enforcing rules that ensure passengers on the same booking get seats together whenever possible. Airlines must also maintain transparency regarding charges for services like carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.
Seat Selection Fees Still Common in India
Indian airlines currently offer only 5% to 15% of seats free during web check-in, while most seats require an additional charge. Typically, window seats and seats near the front cost more. The FIA also cited a 2017 Delhi High Court ruling, which recognised preferential seating as a valid optional service. It argued that regulators cannot fix or cap such charges if airlines disclose them clearly and follow non-discriminatory pricing policies.
