India puts 60% free flight-seat directive on hold
Change
India put its directive requiring airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats free of additional charges in abeyance pending a comprehensive review, leaving the existing 20% free-seat allocation unchanged.
Why it matters
Passengers will continue to face paid seat-selection charges for the majority of seats, so access to low-cost seat options remains governed by current commercial pricing. Regulators will reassess whether expanding non-chargeable seat quotas is compatible with India's deregulated fare framework and airline operational practices.
Implications
- • Airlines' commercial and revenue-management teams must maintain current seat-allocation and fee structures and postpone any operational changes to expand complimentary seat inventory.
- • India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) operations and compliance units must pause enforcement activity related to the 60% allocation and coordinate with the ministry on the comprehensive examination.
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