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Flight delays are frustrating, but Indian passengers have clear rights under DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations. Here's everything you need to know.
DGCA Flight Delay Compensation Rules
If Your Flight Is Delayed Before Departure:
| Delay Duration | Airline Must Provide |
|---|---|
| 2+ hours | Refreshments (snacks and drinks) |
| 6+ hours | Full meal + refreshments |
| 24+ hours (or overnight) | Hotel accommodation + meals + airport transfers |
If Your Flight Is Cancelled:
- Full refund of ticket price (within 7 days)
- OR re-booking on next available flight at no extra cost
- Airlines should inform you at least 2 weeks before departure
- If cancelled less than 2 weeks before departure, additional compensation may apply
Compensation Amounts (DGCA Guidelines)
| Scenario | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Cancelled flight (less than 24h notice) | Up to ₹10,000 or alternate flight |
| Denied boarding (overbooking) | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 (depending on delay of alternate arrangement) |
| Delayed baggage | Based on airline policy (typically ₹500-2,000) |
| Lost baggage | Up to ₹20,000 for domestic flights |
What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed
- Don't panic. Delays are common, especially during monsoon and winter fog seasons.
- Check flight status: Use the airline app or TheBookFlight Flight Status tracker.
- Go to the airline counter. Ask about:
- Expected new departure time
- Meal/refreshment vouchers (if delay > 2 hours)
- Re-booking options if delay is significant
- Keep all receipts. Meals, water, transport — for reimbursement claims.
- Request written confirmation of the delay reason and duration from the airline.
- Use airport lounges. If you have credit card lounge access, use it during long delays.
Common Delay Reasons
- Weather: Monsoon thunderstorms (Jun-Sep), winter fog (Dec-Jan) in Delhi/North India
- Air traffic: Congested airports like Mumbai, Delhi see ATC delays
- Technical: Aircraft maintenance issues
- Crew: Crew duty time limits or crew availability
- Cascading: Earlier flight delay affecting your flight
How to Claim Compensation
- File complaint with the airline (customer care / website / app)
- If airline doesn't respond within 30 days, escalate to DGCA AirSewa
- Use the AirSewa app or website: airsewa.gov.in
- Attach boarding pass, tickets, receipts, and delay confirmation
Delay-Prone Airports & Seasons
| Airport | Peak Delay Season | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | December-January | Dense fog (sometimes for days) |
| Mumbai (BOM) | June-September | Monsoon rain and thunderstorms |
| Kolkata (CCU) | June-September | Cyclone season and heavy rain |
| Chennai (MAA) | October-December | Northeast monsoon and cyclones |
| Bangalore (BLR) | May-September | Evening thunderstorms |
Track Your Flight Status
Use TheBookFlight Flight Status tracker to check real-time updates. For help during delays, WhatsApp us at +91-9650863349.