Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general guidance only. Airline policies, fares, discounts, and government rules change frequently. Always verify with the airline or official source before making decisions. Rules vary by airline, fare type, route, and date.
When your flight is delayed or cancelled in India, you have clear rights under DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations. Most passengers don't know what airlines are required to provide. Here's a complete guide.
Your Rights When Flights Are Delayed
| Delay Duration | Airline Must Provide |
|---|---|
| 2+ hours delay | Meals and refreshments |
| 6+ hours delay | Meals + hotel accommodation (if overnight) + transport to hotel |
| 24+ hours delay | Full refund OR alternate flight + meals + hotel |
Your Rights When Flights Are Cancelled
Airline-Initiated Cancellation
| Notice Period | Your Options |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 weeks notice | Full refund OR alternate flight + compensation |
| Less than 24 hours notice | Full refund + compensation up to ₹10,000 |
| At airport (no prior notice) | Full refund + compensation + meals + hotel if needed |
Compensation Amounts (DGCA CAR)
| Scenario | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Cancellation with < 2 weeks notice | Up to ₹5,000 |
| Cancellation with < 24 hours notice | Up to ₹10,000 |
| Denied boarding (overbooking) | Up to ₹20,000 (domestic) |
⚠️ Exceptions
Airlines are NOT required to pay compensation if the delay/cancellation is due to reasons beyond their control — such as bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, security threats, or airport operational issues. In these cases, you still get a full refund but no additional compensation.
Denied Boarding (Overbooking)
If the airline overbooks and you're denied boarding despite having a confirmed ticket:
- Airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats
- If no volunteers, they must pay compensation up to ₹20,000
- You also get a full refund OR alternate flight
- Plus meals, hotel, and transport if needed
How to Claim
✅ Step-by-Step Claim Process
- 1. Keep all boarding passes, receipts, and communication
- 2. Note the delay/cancellation time and reason given
- 3. Request compensation at the airline counter
- 4. If refused, file a complaint on AirSewa (airsewa.gov.in)
- 5. If unresolved in 30 days, file with DGCA
- 6. For amounts > ₹20,000, approach Consumer Court
Useful Links
- AirSewa — airsewa.gov.in (DGCA complaint portal)
- National Consumer Helpline — 1800-11-4000
- DGCA CAR Section 3 — Facilities to passengers (regulatory document)
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