Civil Aviation Ministry’s New Guidelines: 60% Free Seats on Flights and Passenger-Friendly Guidelines
60% of Flight Seats to be Offered Free of Cost: Civil Aviation Ministry Directive: In a significant move to ensure equal opportunities for all air travelers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced new guidelines on Wednesday. The new regulations state that at least 60% of the seats on any flight should be offered free of cost, a decision aimed at promoting fairness and accessibility in air travel.
The guidelines, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), also emphasize that passengers traveling on the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) should be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats, to improve convenience and comfort during the journey.
In addition, the ministry has highlighted the need for transparency and clear communication from airlines. It has mandated that airlines provide transparent and passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, all while adhering to safety and operational guidelines.
New Guidelines For Flight Passenger:
- 60% Free Seats on Flights: At least 60% of the seats on any flight should be offered free of cost to ensure that all passengers have an equal opportunity to travel.
- Seating Together: Passengers traveling on the same PNR must be seated together, with a preference for adjacent seating arrangements.
- Transparency in Policies: Airlines are required to issue clear policies regarding the transportation of pets, sports equipment, and musical instruments, with transparent information provided to passengers.
- Passenger Rights: The guidelines also stress strict adherence to the Passenger Rights Framework, focusing on issues like delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Passenger rights will be prominently displayed on airline websites, mobile apps, and at airport counters.
- Inclusive and Accessible Travel: India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with the government’s UDAN scheme making air travel more affordable and accessible to a wider population.
In line with these new directives, the Ministry is also committed to improving passenger experience with initiatives like the ‘UDAN Yatri Café’, which offers affordable food options, ‘Flybrary’, which provides free access to books, and free Wi-Fi at airports.
These measures are part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to make air travel more convenient, inclusive, and passenger-centric, ensuring that air travel in India continues to grow and meet the needs of its diverse population.
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