Flight Delayed or Cancelled? Know Your Passenger Rights Before You Fly

No one likes to have their flight delayed or cancelled. It is common to have to wait for hours at the airport or have to return to the airport due to bad weather, medical emergencies, or technical problems. Although such situations are beyond our control, passengers have certain legal rights. Indian aviation laws provide certain rights and benefits if a flight is delayed, canceled, or returned without reaching its destination.

Depending on the circumstances, it is the responsibility of the airlines to inform passengers, arrange food and accommodation, or provide a full refund or arrange an alternative flight. Here are some things to keep in mind when unexpected changes occur to travel plans.

If your flight is delayed or canceled

Flight delays and cancellations are common. Bad weather, technical problems, staff shortages, or air traffic problems can all cause flights to be delayed or canceled.

Flight delay: If the flight is delayed for a long time (2 to 6 hours, depending on the length of the flight), the airline must provide free meals and drinks.
Overnight stay: If the delay extends into the night, they must arrange hotel accommodation and transportation.
Flight cancellation: If the flight is canceled, you have the right to a full refund, rebooking, or alternative travel options offered by the airline.

If the flight returns without reaching its destination

Sometimes, flights return to the airport from which they departed without reaching their destination. This can happen for the following reasons:

Sudden technical failure of the aircraft
Bad weather at the destination airport
Medical emergencies of passengers
Clearance issues or airport closures
In such situations, it is the airline’s duty to ensure the safety of passengers and help them get to their destination. Passengers may be offered another flight or hotel accommodation. In the event of a significant delay or cancellation, passengers are entitled to a refund or compensation, depending on the reason.

Delay of more than 2 hours: Food and drinks if the delay is more than 2 hours.
Overnight stay: Hotel accommodation and transportation if the delay extends into the night.
Cancellation: If the flight is cancelled, the option to get a full refund or a replacement flight.
Cancellation without prior notice: Compensation ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 if a flight is cancelled without prior notice.

If the flight is diverted or returned

Assistance in rescheduling the trip if the flight is diverted or returned to the point of departure.
Note: Airlines are not required to provide cash compensation if the delay or cancellation is due to weather or other natural causes. However, they are obligated to assist with travel arrangements.

Steps to take when your flight is delayed Ask the airline to provide a written statement explaining the reason for the delay or cancellation.

Keep your boarding pass, ticket, and any other receipts.
Speak to airline staff and ask for assistance; Don’t assume that it will be provided automatically.
If assistance is not available, contact the airline’s customer care or register a complaint online.

DGCA rules

Airlines must notify passengers at least 2 weeks in advance if a flight is canceled.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of departure and an alternative flight is not provided.
If boarding is delayed or connecting flights are missed due to the airline’s fault, you can get cash compensation.

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