India, March 30 -- Airlines will begin offering at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without any extra fee from April 20, according to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). They have also been directed to follow a clear and open seat allocation policy.

This comes after an announcement by the civil aviation ministry on March 18 that airlines had been instructed to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on each flight are offered free of charge, to ensure fair access for passengers.

The aviation regulator issued a revised Air Transport Circular on March 20. A DGCA official told news agency PTI that the circular will come into force from April 20.

The regulator said airlines must ensure "at least...