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Indian Airlines Protest Free Seat Selection Mandate, Warn of Potential Fare Hikes
Indian airlines are opposing a government directive requiring them to offer 60% of seats for free selection. The Federation of Indian Airlines warns that this mandate may lead to increased fares for all passengers.
Major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, are protesting a government directive regarding seat selection fees. These airlines, which together account for over 80% of the market share, have written to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation through their consortium, the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), requesting a withdrawal of the order. The directive instructs airlines to allow passengers to select at least 60% of flight seats without charge. Seat selection fees typically apply to preferred seats like window, aisle, or front-row seats, and can range from Rs 150 to over Rs 2,000. The FIA argues that eliminating these fees will significantly impact airline finances. To recover lost revenue, airlines may be compelled to increase fares, affecting all passengers, according to the federation's letter to the ministry. The airlines maintain that seat selection fees are legitimate, especially given the thin margins on which they operate.
Key Facts
- Indian airlines are opposing a government mandate for free seat selection on 60% of seats.
- The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has written to the Civil Aviation Ministry to withdraw the order.
- Member airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet comprise over 80% of the market share.
- Airlines warn that the mandate may cause fare hikes to offset lost revenue from seat selection.
- Seat selection fees range from Rs 150 to over Rs 2,000 for preferred seats.
- The FIA argues that seat selection fees are legitimate for airlines operating on thin margins.
- The government directive instructs airlines to allow passengers to select at least 60% of flight seats without charge.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Free Press Journal — Indian Airlines Write To Civil Aviation Ministry Against 60% Free Seat Selection Mandate