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.

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The Association noted that international jurisdictions, including the US, EU, and Australia, already have robust regulations to protect passengers from excessive and hidden airline fees. ATA specifically pointed to the EU’s Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 and the oversight of Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as successful models for transparent pricing.

Key highlights of ATA’s position include:

• Refuting Fare Hike Claims: ATA strongly dismissed claims by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) that free seat allocation would lead to higher ticket prices, calling such arguments “untenable and unethical”.
• Legal Implications: The Association warned that anti-competitive practices by airlines could violate Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Reasonable Pricing: ATA proposed a nominal fee of ₹10 for seat selection as a balanced approach to enhance passenger experience while maintaining transparency.
• Protection for Families: The Association emphasized that forcing families and colleagues to pay extra for adjacent seating for safety and convenience is unjust.

“Historically, seat allocation was free and based on a first-come, first-served basis,” said D.L. Narasimham, Secretary of ATA. “It is regrettable that certain airlines have exploited this to the detriment of passengers. We urge the government to stand firm on this order”.

Furthermore, ATA is advocating for the establishment of an independent Economic Regulator to oversee airfares and protect passenger interests, separate from the safety-focused mandates of the DGCA.

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