India Mandates Free Seat Selection on 60% of Flights
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- 2 min read
Published: 20 March 2026 Written by: Shashwat Dwivedi
India’s aviation regulator now requires airlines to offer free seat selection on at least 60% of seats, while ensuring families are seated together.
As per new directives from New Delhi, airlines operating in India must now offer at least 60% of seats without any additional selection charges. The rule also states that passengers under the same booking should be seated together wherever possible.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued the instruction through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requiring all Indian carriers to make “at least 60% of seats” on every flight available free of charge for selection. It also emphasises that passengers on a common PNR should preferably be seated in adjacent seats.
A government official indicated that enabling provisions will be formalised in the coming days. The move follows a growing number of passenger complaints, particularly from families who were required to pay extra to sit together.
While the policy is aimed at improving passenger experience, industry experts suggest it may have unintended consequences. Airlines may look to offset the loss of ancillary revenue by increasing base ticket prices.
This is particularly significant in India, one of the world’s most price-sensitive aviation markets, where low base fares have historically been supported by additional charges for services such as seat selection, baggage, and meals.
Vishok Mansingh, Chief Executive of Vman Aviation consultancy and leasing company, commented: “India already has some of the lowest airfares globally, supported by ancillary revenues. Restricting these will push up pure vanilla (base) fares, ultimately hurting price-sensitive travellers who just want affordable point-to-point travel.”
The move may also face legal scrutiny. Existing regulations introduced in 2014 allow airlines to charge separately for optional services, including preferential seat selection.
Although the government has stated that it does not intend to interfere in commercial airline operations, it has emphasised the need to act when a significant number of consumer complaints arise.
Key Facts
DGCA mandates 60% of seats to be available without selection charges
Passengers on the same booking should be seated together where possible
Airlines may increase base fares to offset reduced ancillary revenue
Legal uncertainty remains under existing 2014 aviation service regulations
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Author: Shashwat Dwivedi Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
