Relief on hold, flyers! Centre suspends 60% free seat mandate—Key things to know

In a setback for air passengers, the central government on Thursday temporarily withdrew an earlier order mandating at least 60 per cent free seats on flights -- meaning air passengers will not get free selection for most seats for now. In a communication addressed to the Director General of aviation regulator DGCA, the Civil Aviation Ministry wrote that the order is kept in abeyance until further directions. This marks a reversal from the central government's mandate for airlines to provide at least 60 per cent seats on every flight without levying extra charges from passengers.

The withdrawal of charges follows opposition from airlines and industry bodies, which stated that the 60 per cent free seat reservation will disrupt their cost structures and pricing models.

Representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air had cited operational and commercial issues, including impact on fare structures and inconsistency with the deregulated tariff regime, according to the statement.

"The matter has been reviewed in light of representations received from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, highlighting operational and commercial implications of the above provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime... In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders," it read.

What is the status of the free seats mandate?

The 60 per cent free‑seats provision is kept aside pending comprehensive review until further orders.

In other words, airlines will not be required to maintain the 60 per cent free-seat quota unless the goernment instructs otherwise.

What does it mean for passengers?

With the order now withdrawn for the time being, passengers will continue to pay for seat selection as before.

What stays the same

There are a few things mentioned in the March 17 order that will continue to be in force.

These include:

• Transparency in seat allocation
• Co‑seating for passengers on the same PNR
• Carriage of musical instruments, sports equipment and pets
• Clear disclosure of applicable charges

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

What has the civil aviation ministry told the aviation regulator?

The central government has decided to temporarily withdraw a recently announced rule requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent seats to flyers without extra charges.

What does this mean for air passengers?

Air passengers will continue to pay for seat selection, as they did before the March 17 order.

Why was the rule reversed?

Airlines and industry bodies opposed it.

Why did airlines and industry bodies oppose it?

They argued that providing free seats causes higher costs and disruption to fare structures.

Is the rule cancelled permanently?

No.

Can it be reinstated again?

A detailed review will be completed. Any decision after the review may be announced in due time.

How long will the March 17 order stand withdrawn?

There is no out time as yet. The government has withdrawn it indefinitely.

What rules still apply?

Airlines still must maintain transparency in seat allocation, provide co-seating for same PNR passengers and ensure clear disclosure of charges.