Major Changes in Airline Seat Allocation: What You Need to Know

Starting April 20, airlines in India will be mandated to provide at least 60% of their seats for free selection, according to new regulations from the DGCA. This move aims to enhance passenger access and transparency in seat allocation. Airlines must also ensure that passengers traveling together are seated near each other. However, major carriers like IndiGo and Air India have raised concerns about potential fare increases due to this directive. The aviation sector is closely monitoring these changes, which come amid rising complaints about high service fees. Read on to find out more about how these regulations will affect your next flight.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 18:31 IST

New Regulations for Airlines Starting April 20

New Delhi: Beginning April 20, airlines will be required to offer at least 60% of their flight seats without any extra charges, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This initiative aims to promote fair access for passengers.

On March 18, the civil aviation ministry instructed the DGCA to ensure that a minimum of 60% of seats on flights are available for selection at no cost.

In line with this, the DGCA released an updated Air Transport Circular on March 20, which will be effective from April 20.

According to the regulator, airlines must guarantee that at least 60% of seats on any flight are offered free of charge.

Furthermore, airlines are expected to adopt transparent seat allocation practices and clearly indicate the availability of complimentary seats along with any conditions on their booking platforms.

Passengers sharing the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) should, whenever possible, be seated close to each other, typically in adjacent seats within the same row.

An official noted that airlines are currently preparing to implement these new guidelines.

Currently, only 20% of seats can be booked without charge, while the remainder requires payment.

Typically, airlines impose fees ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 for seat selection, influenced by factors such as seat location and additional legroom, according to a travel industry expert.

The circular also stipulates that all fees for optional services related to sports equipment or musical instruments, including liability terms for potential damage, must be transparently displayed on airline websites and booking platforms.

The DGCA has confirmed that the new regulations will take effect 30 days after the issuance date.

This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the high fees airlines charge for various services, including seat selection.

Recently, IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet expressed strong opposition to this directive, arguing that it would compel them to increase airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

In a letter to the civil aviation ministry dated March 20, the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), representing these airlines, requested the ministry to reconsider and withdraw the decision.

Indian airports currently manage over five lakh passengers each day.