Passengers, who e book their tickets below the identical PNR (Passenger Title Report), have to be seated collectively, “ideally in adjoining seats”. File (Picture used for representational functions solely)
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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed all airways to make sure that at the very least 60% of seats on each flight are allotted freed from cost. The transfer is geared toward making certain “honest entry”, the Ministry mentioned in a press launch on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
Additional, the Ministry has introduced a slew of different directives by means of the Directorate Basic of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to “strengthen passenger comfort, transparency and uniformity of practices throughout airways”.
With respect to seat allocation, one other directive states that passengers, who e book their tickets below the identical PNR (Passenger Title Report), have to be seated collectively, “ideally in adjoining seats”.
“Airways shall additionally deliver out clear, clear insurance policies for carriage of pets,” the discharge mentioned. The Ministry has additionally directed the operators to facilitate “clear and passenger-friendly” carriage of sports activities gear and musical devices.
Passenger rights framework
The Ministry, in its newest launch, urges strict adherence to “passenger rights framework, notably in circumstances of delays, cancellations and denied boarding”. The rights framework is anticipated to get “distinguished show” throughout airline web sites, cellular functions, reserving platforms, and airport counters.
One of many six directives embrace “clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to make sure wider accessibility and consciousness”.
As Indian airports deal with over 5 lakh passengers every day, “passenger facilitation stays the very best precedence” of the Ministry, the MoCA launch mentioned.
Revealed – March 18, 2026 11:17 am IST










