The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on March 18, 2026, issued DGCA Directions to Enhance Passenger Rights, Transparency, and Air Travel Experience in India.
India has become the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with rapid growth driven by initiatives like the UDAN, making air travel more accessible. With over five lakh passengers handled daily, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is focusing on improving passenger experience through various facilitation measures such as affordable airport services and free Wi-Fi.
To enhance convenience, transparency, and uniform practices across airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued key directions. These include allocating at least 60% of seats free of charge, ensuring passengers on the same booking (PNR) are seated together, and introducing clear, passenger-friendly policies for carrying sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets.
Airlines are also required to strictly follow passenger rights, especially in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. They must prominently display these rights across all platforms and communicate them clearly in regional languages to improve awareness and accessibility.
Overall, these measures aim to strengthen passenger convenience, reduce grievances, and ensure a safe, transparent, and customer-friendly aviation ecosystem in India.
[Release ID: 2241546]
