Flight Delay Rights in India — Know Your Compensation Rights

Flights get delayed. It happens. But did you know Indian passengers have strong legal rights to compensation? Here's what airlines OWE you by law.

DGCA Compensation Rules (2026)

Flight Delayed (at departure point)

Delay Duration	Your Rights
2-6 hours	Free meals and refreshments
6+ hours	Free meals + option to rebook or get full refund
Overnight	Free hotel accommodation + transport

Flight Cancelled

Notice Period	Compensation
Less than 2 weeks	Up to ₹10,000 + full refund or alternate flight
Less than 24 hours	Up to ₹10,000 + rebooking on next available
At airport	Up to ₹10,000 + meals + accommodation if needed

Denied Boarding (Overbooking)

If you're denied boarding due to airline overbooking, you're entitled to:

• Alternate flight within 1 hour: 200% of ticket price or ₹10,000 (whichever is less)
• Alternate flight within 24 hours: 400% of ticket price or ₹20,000 (whichever is less)
• No alternate offered: Full refund + compensation

How to Claim Compensation

1. Keep all documents — boarding pass, delay announcement screenshots, food receipts
2. Ask at airport — approach airline counter immediately
3. Write to airline — email customer care with booking reference
4. File DGCA complaint — if airline ignores, file at airsewa.gov.in
5. Consumer forum — for persistent issues, file in consumer court

Common Excuses Airlines Use (Don't Fall For Them!)

• ❌ "Weather delay" — Airlines must still provide meals and accommodation
• ❌ "Technical issue" — This is airline's fault. Full compensation applies.
• ❌ "Operational reasons" — Vague excuse. Demand specifics.
• ❌ "We'll credit to your account" — Insist on cash refund if preferred

Pro Tips

• ✅ Always buy travel insurance for important trips
• ✅ Screenshot delay notices at the airport
• ✅ Ask for written confirmation of delay duration
• ✅ Save meal/taxi receipts even if airline refuses to pay at airport
• ✅ Use AirSewa app to file complaints directly to DGCA