Civil aviation ministry puts free 60% airline seat directive on hold

The ministry stated that the provision will remain on hold pending a comprehensive review, in line with the existing deregulated tariff regime.
| Photo Credit:
Arvind Prasanna A

The civil aviation ministry has put on hold its earlier directive to airlines to offer 60 per cent of seats in any flight free of charge.

The decision has been taken in view of objections from airlines regarding operational and commercial implications of the provision, including potential impact on fare structures, and to ensure consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime.

“Pending comprehensive examination of the issue it has been decided that the provision related to offering atleast 60 per cent seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance until further orders,” the civil aviation ministry said in a letter to the DGCA on Thursday.

Published on April 2, 2026