DGCA Implements New Seat Allocation Rules for Airlines
Starting April 20, airlines operating in India will be required to offer a minimum of 60% of seats on each flight without any selection charge, as per a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This move aims to enhance passenger convenience and transparency in the aviation sector.
Seating Together for Same PNR Passengers
The DGCA has emphasized that passengers traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR), typically family members or groups, should be allotted seats close to one another. This means adjacent seats in the same row, wherever practical, to ensure a smoother travel experience.
Background and Implementation Timeline
On March 18, 2026, Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu directed airlines to implement this policy, focusing on free seat availability and group seating. Following this, the DGCA issued an amended order on March 20, which came into effect 30 days later, on April 20. The circular mandates that airlines maintain transparent seat allocation policies and clearly communicate the availability of free seats and applicable conditions on their booking interfaces.
Current Practices and Charges
Currently, only 20% of seats on flights can be booked free of charge, with the rest incurring fees ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 for seat selection. The revised DGCA circular also requires airlines to display all relevant charges for optional services, such as those for sports equipment or musical instruments, in a transparent and unambiguous manner on their websites and booking platforms.
Industry Response and Passenger Impact
While passengers have long expressed dissatisfaction with separate charges levied by airlines, low-cost carriers argue that their business model is based on unbundling services, allowing customers to pay only for the services they choose. The new DGCA rules aim to balance these perspectives by increasing free seat availability and improving transparency, potentially reducing costs for travelers and fostering a more passenger-friendly environment in the aviation industry.
