REGULATORY · INDIA
Ministry orders airlines to reserve 60% seats
Change
On March 18, 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered all airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge.
Why it matters
The Ministry of Civil Aviation directed all airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of seats on every flight free of charge. Passengers booked under the same PNR must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. Airlines are required to publish clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued additional directives on passenger convenience, transparency and uniformity dated March 18, 2026.
Implications
- · At least 60% of seat inventory on every flight must be allocated without charge.
- · Seating assignments must group passengers sharing a PNR together, preferably in adjacent seats.
- · Airlines must publish and operate under clear, transparent pet-carriage policies.
- · Airlines must comply with DGCA directives on passenger rights for delays, cancellations and denied boarding.
Who is affected
- · Airline revenue and inventory teams
- · Customer service and ground staff
- · Flight operations and scheduling teams
- · Legal and regulatory compliance teams
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Compliance