DGCA Directs Airlines to Offer 60% Seats Free of Charge: What Travelers Must Know

In a major passenger-friendly move, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a new directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60% of seats on every flight free of seatselection charges starting April 20, 2026.
This policy marks one of the most significant changes to airline ancillary fee rules in recent years and is set to benefit millions of domestic flyers.

Why Did DGCA Issue This Directive?

The directive comes in response to growing complaints from passengers about:
Excessive seat selection fees
Airlines charging even for middle seats
Families being forced to pay extra just to sit together
Lack of transparent seating policies during booking

The Ministry of Civil Aviation urged DGCA to step in and regulate the rising number of chargeable seats, ensuring affordability and fairness in air travel.

What Exactly Changes From April 20?

Under the new rule:
60% of all seats must be free to select
Passengers booking a ticket will be able to choose from a much larger pool of free seats. Only premium seats (like front rows, extra-legroom seats, exit rows) may remain chargeable.
Families and groups should be seated together where possible
Airlines must ensure travelers under the same PNR are not split across the aircraft unnecessarily.
Greater transparency on booking platforms
Websites and apps must clearly differentiate between free and paid seats during the seat-selection stage.
Airlines must display seat maps more clearly

Hidden or confusing layouts will no longer be acceptable.

How Will This Impact Passengers?
More free seating options
Until now, many Indian airlines offered barely 20–30% seats for free. The new rule triples that number.
Lower add-on costs
Families will save significantly especially those traveling with children and often forced to pay mandatory seat charges.
Less stress during booking
No more scrambling to find the only remaining free seats tucked away at the back.
Improved booking transparency
Passengers will know upfront which seats cost extra and which don’t.

How Are Airlines Responding?
Airlines have expressed concerns that:
Reduced seat-selection revenue may impact margins
They may be forced to restructure fare classes
Operational flexibility might reduce

Some carriers have even hinted at possible fare increases to offset the loss of ancillary income.
However, DGCA has emphasized that passenger welfare and fair market practices must remain the priority.