DGCA Mandates Child Seat Policy for Airlines Amid Growing Air Travel in India

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested airlines to ensure children under 12 are seated with at least one parent or guardian on flights. The regulation changes the Air Transport Circular, allowing certain services on an “opt-in” basis.

aviation surveillance Airlines have been asked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation DGCA to guarantee that children under the age of 12 be seated on a flight with at least one parent or guardian.

The regulation was issued in response to reports of under-12-year-olds not being seated with their parents or legal guardians on airplanes.

“Airlines shall ensure that children up to the age of 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians, who are traveling on the same PNR and a record of the same shall be maintained,” the DGCA said in a statement on April 23.

The Air Transport Circular titled “unbundle of services and fees by scheduled airlines” has been changed by the regulator in this respect.

Certain services, such as free baggage, first-choice seats, meal, snack, and drink charges, and fees for carrying musical instruments, are allowed, per the rules.

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According to the DGCA, airlines provide these unbundled services on an “opt-in” basis; they are not required.

“There is also a provision for auto seat assignment to the passengers who have not selected any seat for web check-in before scheduled departure,” the statement said.

Domestic air travel is increasing in India, which is one of the civil aviation sectors with the highest rate of growth in the world.