Major Relief for Air Travelers as DGCA Mandates Free Seat Allocation on Flights

New Delhi, March 30, 2026: In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to provide a minimum of sixty percent of seats on every flight without any additional cost, with the rule set to take effect from April 20.

The revised directive comes as part of broader efforts by the civil aviation authorities to make air travel more transparent and passenger friendly. At present, only a limited portion of seats can be selected without a fee, while most preferred seats require extra payment depending on their location and features.

Under the new guidelines, airlines must clearly display their seat allocation policies and ensure passengers are informed about the availability of complimentary seats during booking. The regulator has also advised carriers to try seating passengers together if they are booked under the same reservation.

The updated circular, issued earlier this month, also calls for greater clarity in pricing for optional services such as carrying special items, along with clear terms regarding liability in case of damage.

However, the decision has faced resistance from major domestic carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Industry representatives have warned that limiting seat selection charges may impact airline revenues and could lead to an increase in overall ticket prices.

The Federation of Indian Airlines has also urged the government to review the decision, citing concerns over its financial implications for carriers.