India, March 30 -- Airlines will start offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of cost beginning April 20, following a March 20 directive from the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA), amidst concerns of airlines levying high charges for various services, including seat selection.

The civil aviation regulator has also directed airlines to ensure that passengers with the same PNR are allotted seats in close proximity as far as possible. An official of the DGCA confirmed that these directives will come into effect on April 20, 30 days after they was issued. In its communication to airlines dated March 20 the DGCA wrote, at least "60 per cent of the seats in any flight shall be offered free of charge". It added, "Airlines should maintai...