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People are hating on India's national airline for wanting to reserve seats for women

This practice is already carried out on buses and trains, but this is a first for an airline.

Sohini Mitter

on January 12, 2017

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In what is possibly a world's first, India's national carrier Air India will now be reserving seats for women.

Six seats in the front rows of domestic flights will be blocked without any additional cost, The Hindu reported.

For a while now, buses, trains and even auto-rickshaws in India have had special seats for women, but this is the first time that an airline is implementing it.

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An Air India official has reportedly said, "We feel, as national carriers, it is our responsibility to enhance comfort level to female passengers."

The policy will take effect on Jan. 18.

But Air India might have to first contend with unhappy Indian citizens, who have lambasted the airline on social media.

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Sohini Mitter

India staff at Mashable. Formerly with Forbes India magazine and The Financial Express newspaper.