New directions issued by MoCA for better passenger convenience, transparency, and uniformity of practices across airlines in India

Ministry of Civil Aviation issues new guidelines through the DGCA to strengthen passenger facilitation. Here's the details

Representational image. Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Govt. of India, on 18 March 2026, has issued the new directions to the airlines through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for strengthening passenger convenience, transparency, and uniformity of practices.

It has directed the airlines that minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge, and passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats. Here's the details of all the new directions issued.

The MoCA has issued the following directions through the DGCA:

• Minimum 60% of seats on any flight to be allocated free of charge to ensure fair access
• Passengers travelling on the same PNR to be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats
• Carriage of sports equipment and musical instruments to be facilitated in a transparent and passenger-friendly manner, subject to applicable safety and operational regulations. Airlines shall also bring out clear, transparent policies for carriage of pets.
• Strict adherence to passenger rights framework, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations and denied boarding
• Prominent display of passenger rights across airline websites, mobile applications, booking platforms, and airport counters
• Clear communication of passenger entitlements in regional languages to ensure wider accessibility and awareness

The Ministry of Civil Aviation says that it remains committed to enhancing passenger experience, ensuring transparency, reducing grievances and upholding the highest standards of safety across the aviation ecosystem.

It has undertaken several passenger-centric initiatives to enhance ease of travel, including UDAN Yatri Cafés for affordable food, Flybrary for free access to books and Free Wi-Fi facility at airports in India.

Just some weeks ago, the DGCA revised Air Ticket Refund rules to address passenger complaints, such as, no additional charges for cancelling or changes within 48 hours of booking, and other rules in the new revision for air ticket refunds, which come into effect from next week on 26 March 2026.

India is now the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with air travel becoming more accessible and inclusive under the UDAN scheme. As of now, Indian airports handle over five lakh passengers every day.

References

1. Strengthening Passenger Facilitation in Indian Aviation - Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, on PIB. Posted On: 18 MAR 2026 8:56AM by PIB Delhi