From April 20, 2026, air travel in India is set to become more pocket-friendly as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates that airlines offer at least 60% of seats on every flight without any additional selection fee. This directive follows a March 18 announcement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation aimed at addressing growing passenger grievances regarding “hidden” ancillary charges.
While flyers and consumer rights groups have welcomed the move for its focus on transparency and family-friendly seating, major carriers like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet have raised strong objections. Represented by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), these stakeholders warn that the loss of ancillary revenue may force an increase in base ticket fares, potentially impacting budget-conscious travellers.
Prioritising Passengers Over Profits
The revised Air Transport Circular, issued on March 20, 2026, significantly expands the pool of complimentary seats from the current estimate of just 20%. Beyond the 60% quota, the regulator has directed airlines to ensure that passengers booked under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record) are seated together “as far as practicable,” typically in adjacent seats.
“Airlines should maintain transparent seat allocation policies and clearly communicate the availability of free seats and applicable conditions on their booking interfaces,” a DGCA official stated. The new rules also demand absolute clarity on fees for optional services, such as carrying musical instruments or sports equipment, ensuring that travellers are not met with unexpected costs at the airport.
A Push for Transparent Pricing
This regulatory intervention comes at a time when the Indian aviation sector handles over five lakh passengers daily, yet faces intense scrutiny over pricing algorithms.
The move follows a Supreme Court hearing in February 2026, where a bench described steep fare hikes during peak periods as “exploitation” and sought a response from the Centre on regulating ancillary charges.
Historically, low-cost carriers have unbundled services to keep base fares low, charging anywhere between ₹200 and ₹2,100 for seat selection. However, the DGCA’s latest push for a “clear and open” policy suggests a shift toward protecting consumer rights in one of the world’s fastest-growing but most price-sensitive aviation markets
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that transparency is the cornerstone of a fair marketplace. For too long, the simple act of a family wanting to sit together has been monetised, often turning a supposedly “budget” flight into an expensive ordeal.
While we acknowledge the financial hurdles faced by airlines, the “unbundling” of services should not serve as a veil for predatory pricing. This mandate is a positive step toward empathy in commerce, ensuring that air travel remains an accessible necessity rather than a luxury riddled with hidden traps.
True progress in our aviation sector will be measured not just by the number of flights, but by how with dignity and fairness we treat every passenger.
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