Your flight is delayed. The airline says "operational reasons." What are you entitled to? Indian passengers have strong protections under DGCA rules — but most don't know about them.
DGCA Rules for Flight Delays
Flight Cancellation Rules
Denied Boarding (Overbooked Flight)
If the airline overbooks and bumps you from a confirmed ticket:
- Within 1 hour delay: Rs. 10,000 OR alternate flight
- 1-24 hour delay: Rs. 10,000 compensation + alternate flight within 24 hours
- Over 24 hours: Rs. 20,000 compensation + alternate flight
How to Claim Compensation
- Document everything: Take photos of delay boards, keep boarding passes, save SMS/emails from airline
- Ask at the counter: Immediately request meals/hotel/rebooking from the airline staff
- File complaint online: If airline refuses, file on the AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in)
- DGCA complaint: If AirSewa doesn't resolve it, escalate to DGCA
- Timeline: Airlines typically respond within 15-30 days to formal complaints
What Airlines WON'T Tell You
- "Due to operational reasons" — this is almost always airline's fault, so compensation applies
- "Weather delay" — if weather at origin and destination is clear, challenge this
- "No hotel available" — airline must arrange, not your responsibility to find one
- Meal vouchers: Don't accept Rs. 200 food vouchers if your delay exceeds 6 hours — demand proper arrangements
Exceptions (When You're NOT Entitled)
- Genuine weather disruption (fog, cyclone, heavy rain at the airport)
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Security threats or government orders
- Strikes or civil unrest
Pro Tips
- Screenshot your ticket showing the original departure time
- Keep all receipts if you spend money due to delay (taxi, food, hotel)
- Know your flight number and delay time — you'll need these for claims
- Be firm but polite — airline staff often try to minimize what they offer