Key Guidelines Issued for Passenger Convenience

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new guidelines aimed at improving passenger convenience in air travel. According to the new rules, airlines have been instructed not to levy additional charges on at least 60% of seats during seat allocation. Currently, only about 20% of seats are available for free selection, while passengers are required to pay extra for the rest. The DGCA has also directed airlines to ensure that passengers booked under the same PNR are seated together.

These guidelines will apply to domestic flight routes. Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu stated that these measures are designed to strengthen passenger rights and enhance travel comfort. India is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, with passenger numbers expected to grow by 7–10% to reach 175–181 million in the financial year 2026. The country’s aviation infrastructure is also expanding rapidly, with a significant increase in the number of airports.