Indian Government Orders Airlines to Make 60% of Seats Available for Choice Booking

New Delhi, તા.21: In a major relief to flyers, the Civil Aviation Ministry has ordered airlines to make at least 60 per cent of their seats free for choice on every flight. At present, passengers have to pay extra charges ranging from રૂ.200 to Rs 2,100 to get a seat of their choice. General travellers are happy with the government's 60 per cent free formula, but big players like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet have rebelled against the decision. They say the decision will hurt the airline's business model. The Federation of Indian Airlines has warned the government that the seat selection fee is a major source of revenue for them. According to airlines, this extra fee helps them survive amid rising fuel prices and maintenance costs. If 60 per cent of seats are made free, these companies will have to compensate for the loss of the original ticket price.