The government announced new guidelines for airlines on Wednesday to improve passenger experience, stating that passengers with the same PNR on their tickets will be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. (This is a representative image). In a significant relief for passengers, the government has also instructed all airlines to make at least 60 percent of seats on every flight available for booking without additional charges, ensuring equitable access. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated in a press release that facilitating passengers remains its top priority. It highlighted that India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with air travel growing more accessible to people. ALSO READ | DGCA allows Air India to extend pilots’ duty time amid West Asia crisis. In keeping with its commitment to passenger facilitation, “the Ministry has launched several passenger-focused initiatives to improve travel convenience, such as UDAN Yatri Cafés for affordable meals, Flybrary for free book access, and complimentary Wi-Fi at airports,” the statement added. Centre’s directives to airlines. Here is a complete list of instructions given to the airlines by the ministry via the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): 1. No additional fee: At least 60% of seats on every flight must be provided free of charge to guarantee equitable access. 2. Passengers booked on the same PNR and traveling together will be seated together, ideally in adjacent seats.
