In a major relief for flyers, India’s aviation regulator has introduced new passenger-friendly rules for air travel.

Airlines are now required to provide at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge, eliminating mandatory seat selection fees for a majority of passengers.
Additionally, passengers travelling on the same PNR (such as families or groups) must be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, addressing a long-standing concern among travellers.
The new norms also ensure that children under 12 are seated with at least one parent or guardian without extra cost, improving safety and convenience for families.
These guidelines have been introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enhance passenger experience, increase transparency, and reduce complaints related to seat allocation and extra charges.
The move is part of broader reforms in India’s aviation sector aimed at making air travel more affordable, accessible, and passenger-friendly.
