India has solidified its position as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, driven by expanding connectivity and increasing affordability of air travel under the government’s regional connectivity initiative, UDAN. With Indian airports now handling more than five lakh passengers , the aviation sector is witnessing rapid and sustained growth.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reaffirmed that passenger facilitation remains its top priority. In recent years, several initiatives have been introduced to improve the overall travel experience and make air travel more accessible and convenient for citizens.
Among these measures are the launch of UDAN Yatri Cafés, which provide affordable food options at airports, and Flybrary, a concept that offers passengers free access to books. Additionally, free Wi-Fi services have been expanded across airports to enhance passenger comfort and connectivity.
In a further push to strengthen passenger convenience, transparency, and uniformity across airlines, the Ministry has issued a set of new directives through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As part of these directions, airlines will now be required to allocate a minimum of 60 percent of seats on any flight free of charge, ensuring fair access and reducing additional seat selection costs for passengers. Airlines have also been advised to seat passengers traveling under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) together, preferably in adjacent seats, to improve travel convenience for families and groups.
The guidelines also address the carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments, emphasizing the need for transparent and passenger-friendly policies while adhering to safety and operational requirements. Airlines are further required to clearly outline their policies regarding the transportation of pets.
To safeguard passenger interests, strict compliance with the passenger rights framework has been mandated, particularly in situations involving flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Airlines must prominently display passenger rights on their websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and at airport counters.
Recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, the Ministry has also directed airlines to communicate passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure broader accessibility and awareness among travelers.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that these measures are aimed at enhancing the passenger experience, reducing grievances, and maintaining high standards of safety and service across the aviation sector.
Source by PIB
Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 1:01 pm by Madhusudhan Reddy | Published by: Madhusudhan Reddy on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 11:07 am | News Categories: Delhi, Trending