India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new regulations requiring airlines to offer a minimum of 60% of seats on any flight without any seat selection charge. The rules, which came into effect on March 8, 2026, are designed to reduce passenger costs and enhance the travel experience for families and groups.
The mandate also stipulates that passengers traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR), typically family members or groups, must be seated together. Airlines are required to implement automated systems to facilitate this seating arrangement during the check-in process.
According to the DGCA, the move addresses widespread passenger complaints about ancillary fees and the separation of family members on flights. The regulator stated that airlines must comply with these provisions for all domestic and international flights operated from India.
The new Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) provide specific guidelines for different aircraft configurations. For narrow-body aircraft with 3-3 seating, the middle seat in the free selection block must be offered for free. The rules also clarify procedures for situations where together-seating is not possible, requiring airlines to offer alternative flights or refunds.
