DGCA To Airlines: 60% Of Flight Seats Without Any Add Ons From April 20 | GRAVITAS
Why It Matters
The rule reshapes pricing dynamics for India’s booming air travel market, forcing airlines to sacrifice ancillary income while offering consumers clearer, potentially lower‑cost seat options.
Key Takeaways
- •DGCA mandates 60% seats free of extra charges starting April 20
- •Airlines must display all fees and terms transparently at booking
- •Current free seat share is about 20%, with fees up to ₹2100
- •Carriers warn rule could cut ancillary revenue and raise base fares
- •New disclosure rules also cover sports equipment and instrument fees
Summary
Flying within India will become more passenger‑friendly after the DGCA orders airlines to make at least 60% of seats on every flight available without extra charges, effective April 20. The directive follows a Ministry of Civil Aviation intervention amid growing complaints over high seat‑selection fees.
Today only about 20% of seats are offered free, with airlines charging ₹200‑₹2,100 for preferred locations such as extra‑leg‑room or front‑row seats. Under the new rules carriers must display all ancillary fees, the number of free seats, and applicable terms at the time of booking, and passengers on the same PNR must be seated together.
Major carriers—including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet—have warned that the mandate could erode ancillary revenue and force a rise in base fares. The Federation of Indian Airlines has even petitioned for a rollback, arguing the policy is financially unsustainable for airlines.
With more than half a million daily flyers, the change could affect millions, driving greater price transparency while pressuring airlines to adjust their pricing models. If base fares increase, the net benefit to consumers may be muted, but the rule sets a precedent for stricter ancillary‑charge disclosures across the Indian aviation sector.
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