DGCA Directions for Airlines: Minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge

India has emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with air travel becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme.

DGCA Directions for Airlines
- Fair access: Minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge.
- Family seating: Passengers on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably adjacent.
- Special items: Transparent policies for carriage of sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.
- Passenger rights: Strict adherence in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
- Visibility: Passenger rights must be prominently displayed on websites, apps, booking platforms, and counters.
- Accessibility: Communication of entitlements in regional languages.

India’s Aviation Growth
- India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.
- Airports handle over 500,000 passengers daily, reflecting rapid expansion.
- The UDAN scheme has made air travel more accessible and inclusive, especially for regional connectivity.

Passenger-Centric Initiatives
- UDAN Yatri Cafés: Affordable food options at airports.
- Flybrary: Free access to books for travelers.
- Free Wi-Fi: Enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Strategic Importance
- These measures aim to reduce grievances, enhance transparency, and improve passenger experience.
- They align with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub, while preparing for the surge in demand projected by IATA (air travel more than doubling by 2050).