DGCA mandates 60 per cent seats in flights free of charge for passengers, issue directives for airlines

Indias civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA has mandated airlines to allocate a minimum 60 per cent of seats on any flight free of charge to ensure fair access to the flyersAt present airlines invariably charge extra to allocate seats of ones choiceThe Civil Aviation Ministry through the DGCA also mandated passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together preferably in adjacent seatsCarriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passengerfriendly manner subject to applicable safety and operational regulationsThe ministry also suggested that airlines bring out clear transparent policies for the carriage of pets The ministry also asked airlines to strictly adhere to the passenger rights framework particularly in cases of delays cancellations and denied boardingThe airlines are asked to prominently display passenger rights across airline websites mobile applications booking platforms and airport counters besides clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awarenessCivil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said Under the transformational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji India has established itself as the worlds thirdlargest domestic aviation market Supported by the UDAN scheme air travel in India has evolved from being an elite privilege to an inclusive travel Indian airports are now handling more than 5 lakh passengers every day It has been my constant endeavor to further enhance the ease of flying in the country through passengercentric initiatives at airports like the UDAN Yatri Cafe offering affordable food Flybrary providing free access to books and free WiFi at the terminals To further strengthen passenger facilitation measures we have issued important directions 60 percent seats free of charge assured seating together for families and clear transparent norms for carriage of sports equipment musical instruments amp pets Stronger enforcement and visibility of passenger rights including during delays and cancellationsThe Ministry of Civil Aviation said it remains committed to enhancing passenger experience ensuring transparency reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystemIndia has emerged as the thirdlargest domestic aviation market globally with air travel becoming increasingly accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme Indian airports today handle over five lakh passengers daily reflecting the rapid growth of the sectorPassenger facilitation remains the highest priority of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and in line with this commitment the Ministry has undertaken several passengercentric initiatives to enhance ease of travel including UDAN Yatri Cafes for affordable food Flybrary for free access to books and the provision of free WiFi at airportsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever