India has grown into the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with air travel becoming more affordable and inclusive, especially under the UDAN scheme. Today, Indian airports collectively handle over five lakh passengers each day, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion.
Improving passenger experience continues to be a top priority for the Ministry of Civil Aviation. In this direction, several traveller-focused initiatives have been introduced to make journeys smoother and more convenient. These include UDAN Yatri Cafés offering affordable meals, Flybrary services providing free access to books, and complimentary Wi-Fi facilities at airports.
To further enhance convenience, ensure transparency, and standardise practices across airlines, the Ministry—through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)—has issued key guidelines:
- At least 60% of seats on every flight must be allocated without additional charges to promote fair access
- Passengers booked under the same PNR should be seated together, preferably in adjacent seats
- Clear and passenger-friendly policies must be followed for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, while ensuring compliance with safety and operational norms
- Airlines must strictly adhere to passenger rights, particularly in cases of delays, cancellations, or denied boarding
- Passenger rights must be clearly displayed on airline websites, mobile apps, booking platforms, and at airport counters
- Information on passenger entitlements should be communicated in regional languages to improve awareness and accessibility
The Ministry of Civil Aviation remains committed to improving the overall travel experience, ensuring transparency, reducing passenger grievances, and maintaining the highest safety standards across India’s aviation sector.
Source : PIB
About The Author
