The government has decided to temporarily suspend its previous order that required airlines to make at least 60 percent of seats available for selection without any extra charges. This decision was communicated officially and comes after the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had instructed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 18 to enforce the allocation of a minimum of 60 percent of seats for free selection starting from April 20, aiming to ensure fair access for passengers.
However, due to the recent surge in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and the escalating operational expenses faced by airlines, the ministry has opted to reassess the situation following representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) and Akasa Air. The MoCA mentioned that it reviewed the matter considering the operational and commercial implications raised by FIA and Akasa Air, including potential impacts on fare structures and alignment with the prevailing deregulated tariff system.
As a result, the ministry has decided to suspend the requirement for airlines to offer at least 60 percent of seats free of charge until further notice, pending a comprehensive examination of the issue. Both FIA, representing major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, and Akasa Air had urged the DGCA to withdraw the directive, expressing concerns about its operational and commercial consequences.
Presently, airlines permit approximately 20 percent of seats to be selected without charges, while passengers have to pay for the remaining seats. Seat selection fees typically vary from Rs 200 to Rs 2,100, depending on factors such as seat location, including front rows and extra legroom. The earlier initiative to increase the complimentary seat allocation to 60 percent was introduced in response to growing passenger grievances regarding high ancillary charges imposed by airlines for services like seat selection.