DGCA orders airlines to offer 60% seats on flights 'free of charge' from April 20

In a move aimed at making air travel more passenger-friendly, India’s aviation regulator has directed airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without charging any extra fee. The new rule, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will come into effect from April 20. Under the new guidelines, a majority of seats on every flight must now be available free of cost during booking. At present, airlines usually allow only around 20 per cent of seats to be selected without a fee, while passengers have to pay for the rest.