New Delhi, April 3 -- The civil aviation ministry on Thursday has suspended a decision requiring airlines to offer passengers free selection for at least 60% of the seats on a flight. Mint examines whether this will help airlines offset rising aviation turbine fuel costs triggered by the war in Iran.

Last month, the country's aviation regulator asked airlines to offer 60% of the seats on every domestic flight to be selected free of charge, allowing passengers to choose them without paying an additional fee. It also mandated that all passengers booked on one PNR should be seated together.

The directive came amid concerns over steep seat-selection fees. The civil aviation ministry said on 18 March it asked the regulator to step in and ens...