Airlines in India must make 60% of seats available to passengers without selection charges

India’s aviation sector is getting a decisive passenger-first overhaul, with the Ministry of Civil Aviation unveiling a sweeping set of reforms aimed at making flying more transparent, accessible and hassle-free.

At the heart of the changes is a major shift in seat allocation norms. Airlines will now have to ensure that a minimum 60% of seats are available free of charge — a move designed to curb arbitrary pricing and improve fairness in bookings. Families and groups travelling on the same PNR will also no longer be split across rows, with carriers directed to seat them together wherever possible.

Also Read: European aviation body flags lapses in Air India planes


The reforms, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, go beyond seating to address long-standing pain points around baggage and passenger rights. Airlines have been asked to clearly spell out policies for carrying sports gear, musical instruments and pets, ending the opacity that often leaves travellers guessing.

There is also a renewed push to enforce passenger rights — especially during delays, cancellations and denied boarding — with airlines required to prominently display these entitlements across all customer touchpoints, from apps to airport counters. Crucially, this information must now be available in regional languages, widening access and awareness.

Here are the new rules:

• Minimum 60% seats to be free: Airlines must allocate at least 60% of seats on any flight without extra charges
• Families to sit together: Passengers on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably adjacent
• Clear rules for baggage: Transparent policies mandated for sports equipment, musical instruments and pets
• Stronger passenger rights: Strict enforcement in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding
• Rights visibility: Mandatory display across airline websites, apps, booking platforms and airport counters
• Regional language access: Passenger entitlements to be communicated in local languages

The measures come against the backdrop of a booming aviation market. India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with airports handling over five lakh passengers daily — a surge driven in part by schemes like UDAN that have brought flying within reach of millions.

Also Read: Air India restores last grounded aircraft VT-ALL, completes fleet revival amid overhaul efforts

To match that growth, the government is also sharpening the softer edges of travel. Initiatives such as affordable airport eateries, free Wi-Fi and even "Flybrary" book-sharing services are part of a broader attempt to make the journey not just efficient, but enjoyable.

Taken together, the reforms signal a clear message: as India’s skies get busier, the passenger — not just the plane — is finally at the centre of the story.