The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has put on hold its directive requiring airlines to offer 60% of seats free of charge, bringing clarity for passengers travelling to and from Guwahati.
The decision, announced on April 2, follows concerns raised by airlines over the impact of the rule on fare structures and operations.
The government has paused the rule requiring airlines to offer 60% of seats free of charge. For Guwahati travellers, this means existing seat pricing structures will continue while authorities review the policy.
What This Means for Guwahati Travellers
For passengers flying through Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, the pause means:
- No immediate change in seat selection charges
- Airlines will continue current pricing models
- Reduced uncertainty in ticket pricing
This is particularly relevant for frequent flyers on Guwahati routes to Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
Why the Rule Was Paused
The Ministry took the decision after airlines, including members of the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, raised concerns such as:
- Disruption to existing fare structures
- Impact on airline revenues
- Conflict with India’s deregulated pricing system
As a result, the directive has been kept “in abeyance until further orders.”
Background: Original DGCA Directive
On March 17, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had directed airlines to:
- Offer at least 60% seats without selection fees
- Seat passengers on the same PNR together
The move was aimed at improving passenger convenience and transparency.
Other Passenger-Friendly Rules Still Apply
Even though the free seat rule is paused, several measures will continue:
- Transparent seat allocation policies
- Co-seating for passengers under the same booking
- Clear display of additional charges
- Guidelines for carrying sports equipment and musical instruments
These will benefit passengers travelling from Guwahati.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati is a major air travel hub in Northeast India, with a high volume of domestic passengers.
The decision ensures:
- Stability in airfare structures
- Continued airline operations without disruption
- Balanced approach between passenger benefits and airline viability
What Happens Next
The Ministry will conduct a detailed review of the proposal before making a final decision.
Passengers in Guwahati can expect further updates in the coming months regarding any changes to airline seat pricing policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the free seat rule still applicable for flights?
No, the rule has been temporarily paused and is under review.
2. Will this affect flight prices from Guwahati?
For now, existing pricing structures remain unchanged, so passengers are unlikely to see immediate fare changes.