Major airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have raised concerns over a new government rule that requires 60% of seats on flights to be free for selection.
The airlines, through the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), have urged the government to withdraw this directive, warning that it could lead to higher ticket prices for passengers.
Why Airlines Are Worried
Airlines say that seat selection fees are an important source of income.
This extra revenue helps them manage rising costs such as:
Fuel expenses
Aircraft maintenance
Airport charges
If this income is reduced, airlines may have no choice but to increase base ticket prices.
This means even passengers who don’t choose seats in advance could end up paying more.
The FIA also warned that limiting such revenue streams could affect pricing flexibility and make air travel less affordable, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
Industry Flags Bigger Challenges
The airline industry is already dealing with multiple pressures, including:
Rising aviation fuel prices
Operational disruptions in West Asia
Increasing overall costs
Airlines also pointed out that the decision was made without proper consultation, raising concerns about more regulatory control in the future.
According to them, such rules could create uncertainty in pricing and business planning.
What Is the Government’s 60% Free Seat Rule?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, through the DGCA, has directed airlines to make at least 60% of seats free for selection on every flight.
This move aims to:
Improve passenger convenience
Ensure fair access to seating
Reduce high seat selection charges (which can go up to Rs 2,100)
The government also wants to make sure that families booked on the same ticket (PNR) can sit together and that airline services become more transparent and passenger-friendly.
What This Means for Passengers
While the rule is designed to benefit travelers, airlines believe it could have the opposite effect in the short term.
If ticket prices rise to cover lost revenue, passengers may end up paying more overall, even if seat selection becomes free.
