NEW DELHI. The Air Travellers Association (ATA) has strongly endorsed the Government of India’s directive requiring airlines to allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge, describing it as a major step toward protecting passenger rights and ensuring fair pricing practices. In a communication to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the association emphasized that the move aligns India with global standards where regulators actively curb hidden fees and promote transparency in airfare structures.
Rejecting concerns raised by airline industry groups about potential fare hikes, ATA termed such claims “untenable and unethical.” The association argued that free or nominally priced seat allocation had historically been standard practice and that recent monetization trends unfairly burden passengers. It also cautioned that coordinated resistance by airlines could raise legal concerns under competition and consumer protection laws. As a practical solution, ATA proposed a nominal seat selection fee of Rs.10 to balance affordability with operational considerations.
Highlighting passenger convenience and safety, ATA stressed that families and co-travellers should not be compelled to pay extra to sit together. The association also renewed its demand for an independent economic regulator to oversee airfare practices, separate from existing safety regulators. Founded in 2013, ATA continues to advocate for passenger-centric reforms, positioning itself as a key voice for affordable and transparent air travel in India.
