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Civil Aviation Ministry Pauses 60% Free Seat Directive

Apr 10,2026
travel trade Journal

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has kept in abeyance its earlier directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge on flights, pending further review. In a communication to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry stated that the matter had been re-examined following representations from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, which highlighted operational and commercial concerns, including the potential impact on fare structures and alignment with the deregulated tariff regime. The Ministry noted, “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% of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders.”