The Central Government has put on hold its proposed move to reduce additional charges for flight seat selection, delaying relief that was expected to benefit air travellers. The decision to suspend the rule was taken on April 2, 2026, just weeks after it was announced.

In March 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure that at least 60 percent of seats on every flight be made available without any extra charge. The rule was scheduled to come into effect from April 20, 2026, and was aimed at reducing the cost burden on passengers.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, which argued that seat selection fees form a significant portion of their revenue. They warned that implementing the rule could lead to an increase in base ticket fares, potentially offsetting any benefit to passengers.

Following these concerns, the government has decided to undertake a detailed review of the policy to strike a balance between protecting passenger interests and maintaining the financial viability of airlines.

Despite the suspension of the 60 percent free seat rule, certain passenger-friendly measures will continue. These include ensuring that families travelling on the same PNR are seated together, maintaining transparency in seat allocation, and providing clear disclosure of all applicable charges.

Passengers have been advised to carefully check seat selection fees while booking tickets, as current pricing practices remain unchanged.

The move indicates a cautious approach by the government, suggesting that a final decision will be taken only after evaluating all aspects of the issue.