Bhubaneswar, March 18 -- In a major relief for air travellers, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airlines to ensure that at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight are provided without any additional charge. The move aims to improve passenger convenience and ensure fair access during flight bookings.

According to an official press release, the directive is part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen transparency, uniformity, and passenger-friendly practices across airlines operating in the country.

Under the new rule, a minimum of 60 per cent of seats must be made available free of cost to passengers during booking or check-in. Earlier, airlines typically offered only a limited number of complimentary seats, wh...