DGCA Mandates 60% Free Seats on Flights: New 2026 Rules

Chandani — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:03:46 +0000

Relief for Indian Flyers: Govt Mandates 60% Free Seats on All Flights

A major win for air travelers has just arrived. Specifically, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a landmark order today, March 18, 2026. Initially, airlines charged for almost every seat on the plane. Now, the government has told carriers to keep 60% of all seats free of charge. Indeed, this move stops “hidden fees” during web check-in. Consequently, flying in India will become much more fair for everyone.

The New “Same PNR” Seating Rule

Look, the most common complaint involves families being split up. Notably, airlines often separate groups unless they pay extra for nearby seats. However, the new DGCA rules change this practice entirely. Specifically, staff must now seat passengers on the same booking (PNR) together. Furthermore, airlines must place these passengers in side-by-side seats whenever possible.

Key Highlights of the March 2026 Order:

Free Seats: A minimum of 60% of seats must have no fee.
Group Seating: Families on one PNR must sit together.
Special Gear: Clear rules now exist for sports and music tools.
Pet Policy: All airlines must share a clear pet travel plan.

Stronger Passenger Rights

Actually, the government is also fighting against delays and canceled flights. Specifically, airlines must now show your rights clearly on their apps. Indeed, they must share this news in regional languages too. Moreover, if a flight is late, the staff must tell you exactly what you are owed. Therefore, travelers will no longer feel lost at the airport.

Service Area	Old Practice	New 2026 Rule
Seat Fees	Up to 80% seats paid	At least 60% seats FREE
Group Travel	Often split across rows	Must be seated together
Baggage Policy	Vague for sports gear	Clear and friendly
Language	English and Hindi only	Added Regional Languages

A Push for Inclusion

While India is a huge air market, the Minister wants it to be friendly. Indeed, Minister Rammohan Naidu says the UDAN scheme has made flying easy for all. Next, the ministry is adding UDAN Yatri Cafes for cheap food. Additionally, they are creating ‘Flybraries’ for free books. Also, all major airports must now provide free Wi-Fi to every guest.

The Bottom Line for Travelers

Recently, flyers felt that every “free” service was becoming a paid add-on. Specifically, the DGCA noticed that even middle seats had “premium” price tags. Consequently, these new rules give power back to the passenger. In short, you can now book a flight without a high bill just to sit with your family. Right.