The Air Travellers Association (ATA) has formally expressed its strong support for the Government of India’s recent order mandating that airlines allocate at least 60% of flight seats free of charge (p. 1). In a letter addressed to the Secretary of Civil Aviation, ATA hailed the move as a significant step toward prioritizing passenger welfare and aligning Indian aviation with global transparency standards.

The Association noted that international jurisdictions, including the US, EU, and Australia, already have robust regulations to protect passengers from excessive and hidden airline fees. ATA specifically pointed to the EU’s Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 and the oversight of Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as successful models for transparent pricing.

Key highlights of ATA’s position include:

• Refuting Fare Hike Claims: ATA strongly dismissed claims by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) that free seat allocation would lead to higher ticket prices, calling such arguments "untenable and unethical".

• Legal Implications: The Association warned that anti-competitive practices by airlines could violate Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

• Reasonable Pricing: ATA proposed a nominal fee of ₹10 for seat selection as a balanced approach to enhance passenger experience while maintaining transparency.

• Protection for Families: The Association emphasized that forcing families and colleagues to pay extra for adjacent seating for safety and convenience is unjust.

"Historically, seat allocation was free and based on a first-come, first-served basis," said D.L. Narasimham, Secretary of ATA. "It is regrettable that certain airlines have exploited this to the detriment of passengers. We urge the government to stand firm on this order".

Furthermore, ATA is advocating for the establishment of an independent Economic Regulator to oversee airfares and protect passenger interests, separate from the safety-focused mandates of the DGCA.

About Air Travellers Association (ATA):

Founded in May 2013 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, ATA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the Citizens' Charter for Air Travellers. It focuses on passenger safety, affordability, and seamless travel, serving as a prominent voice for air travellers across India.