Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Focusing on passenger rights and transparency, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has introduced a series of passengercentric measures aimed at improving convenience, transparency and accessibility across India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.
The government has directed all airlines to make sure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are allocated free of cost to ensure fair access, the ministry of civil aviation said in a press release.
Until now, only a few seats were provided free of cost to passengers while booking their tickets or even while checking in for their flights online.
Other key measures include ensuring fair access; passengers travelling on the same booking (PNR) to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats; transparent policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments and pets; and strict adherence to passenger rights, especially in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding.
The Ministry said India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with airports now handling over five lakh passengers daily, reflecting the growing reach of air travel under initiatives such as the UDAN Scheme.
As part of its efforts to enhance ease of travel, the Ministry has already launched several initiatives at airports, including UDAN Yatri Cafes offering affordable food options; Flybrary facilities providing free access to books; and free Wi-Fi services at airports.
These initiatives are designed to make air travel more inclusive and passenger-friendly. Airlines have also been directed to prominently display passenger rights across their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms and airport counters.
In addition, the ministry has emphasised the need for clear communication in regional languages, enabling wider awareness of passenger entitlements. The Ministry said the measures are part of a broader effort to reduce grievances, improve service standards and ensure safety across the aviation ecosystem.
