India Suspends 60% Free Seat Selection Mandate

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has suspended its recent directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60 percent of seats on flights free of selection charges, following objections from industry groups. The decision, communicated to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on April 2, halts implementation that was set to begin on April 20.

The original order, issued on March 17, aimed to enhance passenger access by mandating that airlines reserve a majority of seats without additional fees. It responded to growing complaints about ancillary charges, which typically range from 200 to 2,100 rupees depending on seat location and legroom. Under current rules, airlines provide about 20 percent of seats for free selection, often middle or rear positions, while charging for preferred options like windows, aisles, or front rows.

Airlines quickly raised concerns after the announcement. The Federation of Indian Airlines, representing carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, along with Akasa Air, argued that the mandate would disrupt revenue models in India's deregulated fare system. In a letter dated March 19, the federation warned that lost income from seat fees could...