By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: The Air Travellers Association (ATA) has extended strong support to the Government of India’s directive mandating airlines to allocate at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge, calling it a “significant step” towards passenger welfare and pricing transparency.
In a letter to the Civil Aviation Secretary, the association said the move aligns India with global practices, citing regulatory frameworks in the European Union and Australia that curb hidden airline charges. It referred to the EU’s Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 and oversight mechanisms by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission as benchmarks for transparent airfare structures.
Rejecting concerns raised by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), ATA termed claims that free seat allocation would lead to higher ticket prices as “untenable and unethical”. It argued that such assertions lack economic justification and disproportionately burden passengers.
The association also flagged potential legal concerns, warning that any coordinated move by airlines to offset losses through fare hikes could violate provisions of the Competition Act, 2002 and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Calling for a balanced approach, ATA suggested a nominal fee of ₹10 for optional seat selection, while stressing that basic seat allocation should remain free. It further highlighted the issue of families being forced to pay extra for adjacent seating, describing the practice as unjust and inconvenient.
“Historically, seat allocation was free and based on a first-come, first-served basis. It is regrettable that certain airlines have exploited this to the detriment of passengers,” said D.L. Narasimham, Secretary of ATA, urging the government to stand firm on the order.
The association also advocated the creation of an independent economic regulator for airfares, separate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s safety mandate, to ensure fair pricing and protect passenger interests.
Founded in 2013, ATA is a not-for-profit body working towards affordability, safety and transparency in air travel across India.
