India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed airlines to offer at least 60% of seats on every flight free of charge starting April 20, aiming to improve transparency and ensure fair access for passengers.
The move follows a directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued on March 18, after which the DGCA formalised the rule through a revised Air Transport Circular on March 20.
The DGCA has mandated that airlines offer at least 60% of seats free of charge on every flight starting April 20. The rule aims to improve transparency and reduce extra charges on seat selection, benefiting passengers across India, including those travelling to and from Guwahati.
What the New Rule Means for Guwahati Flyers
For passengers flying from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, the new rule is expected to reduce the cost burden associated with seat selection.
Travellers on popular routes such as Guwahati–Delhi, Guwahati–Kolkata, and Guwahati–Bengaluru often pay extra for preferred seats. With this directive:
- A majority of seats must now be available at no additional cost
- Families and groups may find it easier to sit together
- Overall, booking transparency is expected to improve
Clear Pricing and Transparency Mandated
The DGCA has also instructed airlines to adopt a transparent seat allocation policy, ensuring passengers are clearly informed about what is free and what is chargeable.
Additionally, airlines must:
- Display all optional service charges clearly on booking platforms
- Specify costs for carrying items like sports equipment or musical instruments
- Mention liability terms in case of damage
This is expected to reduce confusion during ticket booking for passengers in Guwahati and across Assam.
Families to Be Seated Together
Another key aspect of the directive is passenger convenience. The circular states that travellers booked under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) should, as far as possible, be seated together.
For families and groups travelling from Guwahati, especially during peak seasons like festivals and holidays, this could significantly improve the travel experience.
Airlines Push Back Against the Move
Major airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have opposed the decision.
Airlines argue that limiting paid seat selection could impact their ancillary revenue streams, which are a significant part of their earnings. They have also indicated that this may lead to:
- Higher base airfares
- Reduced flexibility in pricing models
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Air travel has become a crucial mode of connectivity for Guwahati, linking the Northeast to major Indian cities.
With increasing passenger traffic from the region, especially among students, professionals, and tourists, the new rule could:
- Make air travel more affordable upfront
- Improve booking clarity for first-time flyers
- Reduce hidden or additional costs
What Happens Next
The rule will come into effect from April 20, and airlines are expected to update their booking systems accordingly.
Passengers travelling from Guwahati are advised to review seat selection policies while booking tickets after this date, as changes in fare structures may also follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DGCA’s new rule on flight seats?
The DGCA has mandated that at least 60% of seats on every flight must be offered free of charge, reducing extra costs for seat selection.
2. Will this reduce ticket prices for Guwahati travellers?
While seat selection costs may reduce, airlines have indicated that base ticket prices could increase to offset revenue losses.