New Delhi, April 3 -- The Centre on Thursday said it was putting in abeyance an order to airlines directing them to offer at least 60% of flight seats free of charge from 20 April, PTI has reported.

The March 18 order from the civil aviation ministry said it had ordered the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ask airlines to allocate a minimum of 60% of seats for selection on any flight free of any additional charges to ensure fair access for passengers.

In a letter to the DGCA, the civil aviation ministry said it had reviewed the order mandating 60% flight seats free of charge following representations from airlines that highlighted operational and commercial impact.

"The matter has been reviewed in light of representation...