The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has a set of guidelines for compensating passengers for delayed flights. These guidelines are based on the European Union’s (EU) Regulation 261/2004, which is one of the strictest passenger rights regulations in the world.
Under the DGCA’s guidelines, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by more than:
- 3 hours for flights of 1,500 kilometers or less
- 4 hours for flights of 1,500 to 3,500 kilometers
- 6 hours for flights of 3,500 to 15,000 kilometers
- 9 hours for flights of more than 15,000 kilometers
The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. For example, passengers on a flight that is delayed by 3 hours and is less than 1,500 kilometers long are entitled to compensation of ₹ 2,000.
In order to be eligible for compensation, passengers must have a confirmed booking and must have arrived at the airport on time. They must also have been denied boarding or have had their flight delayed by more than the specified times.
Passengers can claim compensation from the airline directly. The airline may ask for proof of the delay, such as a boarding pass or a delay certificate from the airport.
If the airline refuses to pay compensation, passengers can file a complaint with the DGCA. The DGCA will investigate the complaint and may order the airline to pay compensation.
Here are some tips for passengers who are seeking compensation for a delayed flight in India:
- Keep all documentation related to your flight, such as your boarding pass, the delay certificate from the airport, and any emails or correspondence with the airline.
- Be prepared to provide this documentation to the airline or the DGCA if you file a complaint.
- Be polite and persistent when dealing with the airline.
- If the airline refuses to pay compensation, file a complaint with the DGCA as soon as possible.
How to file a complaint with the DGCA:
To file a complaint with the DGCA, you can visit their website or write to them at the following address:
Directorate General of Civil Aviation,
Civil Aviation Building,
Safdarjung Airport,
New Delhi – 110003
The DGCA will investigate your complaint and may order the airline to pay compensation.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- The DGCA’s guidelines do not apply to flights that are delayed due to extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or strikes.
- The compensation amount is capped at ₹50,000.
- Passengers have 3 years from the date of the flight to file a complaint with the DGCA.
