60% seats free, same PNR passengers seated together — Centre issues new norms for air travel

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) introduced a sweeping set of new rules on Wednesday to benefit air travellers. Key changes include making 60% of aeroplane seats free and ensuring that families on the same booking sit together.

In a press release, the Ministry noted that India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. With over five lakh passengers flying daily, the government aims to make travel more "accessible and inclusive."

Air travel has become increasingly accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme, the Ministry noted. "Indian airports today handle over five lakh passengers daily, reflecting the rapid growth of the sector,” it said.

The ministry, however, did not immediately clarify when these rules will be implemented.

What are the new airline rules?

The ministry’s order proposes significant changes to existing airline practices.

Currently, most airlines in India charge passengers an additional fee to select seats, with prices varying depending on location and features such as extra legroom. Even middle seats, often considered the least comfortable, are sometimes chargeable.

At present, only around 20% of seats are offered free of charge, while the rest are paid, according to an airline official quoted by PTI.

Under the new rules, airlines will be required to make at least 60% of seats available free of charge.

They will also have to ensure that passengers booked under the same PNR are seated together, addressing a common grievance where travellers are split unless they pay for seat selection.

Additionally, airlines have been directed to strictly adhere to passenger rights, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.

Key directives issued by the centre

• Atleast 60% of seats on every flight must be allocated free of charge.
• Passengers on the same PNR should be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats.
• Clear and transparent policies for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments and pets.
• Strict adherence to the passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.
• Prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms and airport counters.
• Clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness.

The ministry said the measures aim to “further strengthen passenger convenience, transparency and uniformity” across airlines.

“Passenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In line with this commitment, the Ministry has undertaken several passenger-centric initiatives to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafés for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books and provision of free Wi-Fi at airports,” it added.

The move comes amid growing concerns over high ancillary charges levied by airlines, particularly for services such as seat selection.