New Delhi, April 2 -- Less than three weeks after directing airlines to offer at least 60% of seat selection free of charge in every flight to improve passenger facilitation, the ministry of civil aviation has kept the order in abeyance following concerns raised by airlines over its operational and commercial impact.

The directive would remain suspended until further orders while the government conducts a detailed examination of the issue, the Centre said in a 2 April letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Mint has reviewed a copy of the letter.

The ministry had earlier written to the aviation safety regulator on 17 March asking airlines to strengthen passenger facilitation measures and ensure that at least 60% of s...