Govt puts on hold directive to airlines to offer 60% seats free of charge two weeks after announcement

This follows opposition from airlines; the order was to have been implemented from April 20.

The government has "put in abeyance" its directive to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge, weeks before it was to come into force.

On March 18, the Civil Aviation Ministry announced that directions have been issued to the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to direct airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight free of any additional charges to ensure fair access for passengers.

The order was to have been implemented from April 20.

"The matter has been reviewed in the 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," the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a communication to the DGCA.

At present, 20 per cent of the seats can be booked free of charge, while the rest are paid.

Generally, airlines charge Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 for choosing seats, depending on various factors, including front rows and extra leg room, according to a PTI report that quoted a travel industry executive.

The move to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight came against the backdrop of rising complaints that airlines were levying high charges for various services, including seat selection.

(With PTI inputs)