In an effort to improve air travel convenience, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that a minimum of 60% of seats on every flight must be allocated free of charge to ensure fairness. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued new guidelines to enhance passenger convenience, transparency, and consistency across airlines. Passengers sharing the same booking reference should ideally be seated together on flights, preferably in adjacent seats.
To enhance passenger-friendly services, the ministry emphasized facilitating the transport of sports equipment and musical instruments in a transparent manner, adhering to safety regulations. Airlines are required to establish clear policies for carrying pets. The ministry also stressed the importance of airlines strictly adhering to passenger rights regulations, especially in cases of flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Moreover, airlines must prominently display passenger rights information on their websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and airport counters. Passenger entitlements should be clearly communicated in regional languages to ensure broader accessibility and awareness. India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with over five lakh passengers handled daily at Indian airports, showcasing the sector’s rapid expansion.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation affirmed its dedication to prioritizing passenger facilitation. Various passenger-centric initiatives have been launched to enhance travel convenience, such as UDAN Yatri Cafes offering affordable food, Flybrary providing free access to books, and the provision of complimentary Wi-Fi at airports. The ministry reiterated its commitment to improving the passenger experience, ensuring transparency, addressing grievances, and maintaining high safety standards in the aviation industry.
