With India emerging as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a series of measures aimed at improving passenger convenience, transparency, and accessibility.
The new directives, issued through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), focus on standardising airline practices and enhancing the overall travel experience.
Key Highlights
- At least 60% of seats on flights to be allocated without extra charges
- Passengers on the same booking (PNR) to be seated together where possible
- Clearer policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets
- Stronger enforcement of passenger rights in delays, cancellations, and denied boarding
- Mandatory display of passenger rights across platforms in regional languages
Focus on Passenger-Friendly Air Travel
The government said passenger facilitation remains a top priority as air travel expands rapidly across the country.
Indian airports currently handle more than five lakh passengers daily, reflecting growing demand driven in part by schemes like UDAN, which aims to make flying affordable and accessible.
To improve airport experience, initiatives such as budget-friendly food outlets, free Wi-Fi, and book-sharing services have been introduced in recent years.
Official Statement
According to the Ministry, the new DGCA guidelines are intended to bring greater transparency and uniformity across airlines.
The measures aim to reduce passenger grievances while ensuring that basic services such as seat allocation and communication of rights are handled in a fair and consistent manner.
Standardising Airline Practices
Under the new norms, airlines will need to ensure that a majority of seats at least 60% are available without additional charges, addressing concerns over paid seat selection.
Passengers travelling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) should be seated together, especially families and groups, improving travel comfort.
Airlines are also required to clearly define policies for carrying special items such as sports gear and musical instruments. Transparent rules for pet travel must also be published.
Strengthening Passenger Rights
The DGCA has reiterated strict compliance with existing passenger rights rules.
This includes proper handling of situations such as flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding, where passengers are entitled to compensation or assistance.
Airlines must prominently display these rights on websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and airport counters.
To improve accessibility, the information must also be made available in regional languages.
Context and Background
India’s aviation sector has seen rapid expansion over the past decade, supported by policy initiatives and increased regional connectivity.
The UDAN scheme, launched to connect smaller cities, has played a key role in making air travel more inclusive.
However, the growth has also led to concerns over service quality, hidden charges, and lack of clarity in airline policies—issues the latest guidelines aim to address.
Public Impact
For passengers, the changes could mean fewer additional charges, better seating arrangements for families, and clearer information about their rights.
Improved transparency in airline policies may also help reduce disputes and enhance trust in air travel services.
For the aviation industry, the move sets clearer service standards while balancing operational requirements.
Conclusion
The latest DGCA guidelines mark a step towards making air travel in India more passenger-centric as demand continues to grow.
With a focus on transparency, accessibility, and service quality, the government aims to ensure that the sector’s expansion is matched by a better travel experience for passengers.
Source:PIB
Last Updated on: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 3:44 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 3:42 pm | News Categories: Mumbai
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