Delhi. The government on Tuesday told airlines not to charge extra fees from passengers on 60 percent seats in domestic flights. Additionally, as part of the Civil Aviation Ministry’s efforts to enhance passenger convenience, airlines have also been asked to ensure that passengers traveling on the same ‘PNR’ (Passenger Name Record) are seated together in flight.

Announcing these steps, the ministry said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to make at least 60 per cent of seats available on every flight without extra charges to ensure fair access. An airline official said that currently only 20 percent seats can be booked without charges while the remaining seats have to be paid for.

“Passengers traveling on the same PNR should be seated together or given adjacent seats,” the ministry said in a press release. The official said these instructions will be applicable to domestic flights. These steps have been taken at a time when concerns are rising over high charges by airlines for various services including seat selection.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu informed on social media platform ‘X’ on Wednesday that important instructions have been issued to further increase the convenience of passengers. He said, “60 percent seats are free, seating arrangement for families and clear and transparent rules for transportation of sports equipment, musical instruments and pets.” The minister said that enforcement of passenger rights will be strengthened even in case of delays and cancellation of tickets.

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