The Indian government has decided to put on hold its directive requiring airlines to offer 60% of seats free of charge for passenger selection. The rule, announced by the Civil Aviation Ministry earlier this year, was intended to make air travel more affordable and passenger-friendly. However, after strong opposition from airlines, the ministry has paused the order pending further review.
Airlines argued that the move would significantly reduce their ancillary revenue, which comes from seat selection and other add-on services. With rising operational costs, particularly due to increasing jet fuel prices, carriers expressed concern that the rule would force them to raise base fares, ultimately burdening passengers instead of benefiting them. The industry’s feedback prompted the government to reconsider the directive.
Currently, most airlines provide only a limited percentage of seats free for selection, typically around 20%, while charging for preferred seats such as window, aisle, or front-row options. The proposed 60% free seat rule would have dramatically expanded passenger choice without extra cost, but airlines insisted that such a shift was unsustainable under present economic conditions.
By placing the directive “in abeyance,” the Civil Aviation Ministry has signaled its willingness to balance passenger interests with industry viability. The government has stated that it will re-examine the matter after consulting stakeholders, leaving open the possibility of revisiting the rule in the future. For now, passengers will continue under the existing system, with limited free seat allocation and charges for premium selections.
