Your Legal Rights When a Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled in India

New Delhi, Dec 5: With widespread flight disruptions continuing to affect air travel across India, thousands of passengers are facing long delays, sudden cancellations, and confusion at airports. In such situations, it is important to distinguish between what airlines may claim as policy and what passengers are legally entitled to under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations. Based on the Passenger Charter of 2019, reaffirmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2025, here is a detailed guide to your rights during flight delays and cancellations.

1. Delays at the Airport: What You Are Entitled To

If your flight is delayed after check-in, your rights depend on the duration of the delay relative to your flight’s length.

You are legally entitled to free meals and refreshments if the delay exceeds:

• 2 hours for flights shorter than 2.5 hours
• 3 hours for flights between 2.5 and 5 hours
• 4 hours for flights longer than 5 hours

If your flight is delayed beyond six hours, the airline must provide you with two options:

• Book an alternate flight within six hours, or
• Full refund of your ticket

These rights are guaranteed by law and cannot be waived by airline policies.

2. Overnight Delays: Hotel Accommodation and Transfers

Confusion often arises regarding overnight delays. The general rule is:

• If your delay extends overnight or crosses 24 hours, the airline must provide free hotel accommodation and airport transfers.

However, there are exceptions under force majeure, including:

• Bad weather
• Fog
• Natural disasters
• Security risks

If the delay is caused by operational reasons, you are still entitled to accommodation:

• Pilot shortage
• Crew mismanagement
• Aircraft unavailability
• Administrative lapses

Even if the airline attempts to deny your rights, operational delays mandate hotel and transport support.

3. Flight Cancellations: Compensation Rules

You are eligible for financial compensation if:

• The airline fails to notify you at least two weeks in advance, or
• You miss a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, or
• The airline does not provide a suitable alternative arrangement

Compensation amounts depend on flight duration:

• Up to 1 hour: ₹5,000 or basic fare + fuel charge (whichever is lower)
• 1–2 hours: ₹7,500 or basic fare + fuel charge
• Beyond 2 hours: ₹10,000 or basic fare + fuel charge

This compensation is in addition to a full refund if you choose not to travel.

4. Refusing Alternate Flights: Your Refund Rights

If your flight is cancelled or delayed beyond six hours, you have the right to:

• Refuse the offered alternate flight
• Claim a full refund

Refund timelines:

• Cash or Bank Transfer: Immediate
• Credit Card: Within 7 days
• Travel Agent Booking: Refund must be claimed through the agent

This ensures passengers are not forced into inconvenient rebookings.

5. Baggage Liability: Loss, Delay, or Damage

If your checked-in baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, compensation is capped:

• Domestic flights: Up to ₹20,000 per passenger
• International flights: Up to 1,131 SDR (approx. ₹1.2 lakh per passenger)

These regulations hold airlines accountable for passenger property during transit.

6. Filing Complaints When Airlines Deny Claims

If your airline refuses to honor your rights:

• File a formal grievance on the AirSewa App or Portal
  • Website: www.airsewa.gov.in
• Approach the DGCA Nodal Officer, available at major airports across India

These mechanisms ensure that airlines cannot escape liability, even during large-scale disruptions.

Key Takeaways for Passengers

Flight delays and cancellations can be stressful, but passengers are not powerless. Indian aviation law protects travelers against:

• Excessive delays
• Arbitrary cancellations
• Denial of meals, accommodation, refunds, and compensation

These rights are effective only if passengers assert them. Filing formal complaints when airlines refuse compliance is crucial to safeguard your interests.

With ongoing operational challenges in air travel, knowing your legal rights is the strongest protection against inconvenience, financial loss, and exploitation. Staying informed ensures that your journey, even during disruptions, is legally protected and that airlines uphold their responsibilities.

Disclaimer

Mavericknew30 is not responsible for any decision taken by readers based on the information provided in this article. The content is published strictly for general public awareness and informational purposes based on available regulatory guidelines. Passengers are advised to verify details directly with the concerned airline, airport authorities, or official government platforms before taking any action. Mavericknew30 bears no liability for any loss, inconvenience, or damage arising from the use of this information.