Heavy rain during the monsoon often disrupts flight operations, leading to long waits, last-minute cancellations and changes in travel plans. While bad weather cannot always be avoided, passengers flying within India have certain rights under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Passenger Charter.
Depending on the length of the delay or the timing of a cancellation, airlines may be required to provide meals, hotel accommodation, alternate flights or even a full refund. Here’s what travellers should know before heading to the airport.
Flight rules on providing meals and refreshments
If you have checked in on time and your flight is delayed, airlines are required to offer complimentary meals and refreshments after a specified waiting period.
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The entitlement depends on the scheduled block time of the flight:
2 hours or more for flights with a block time of up to 2.5 hours.
3 hours or more for flights with a block time of more than 2.5 hours and up to 5 hours.
4 hours or more for flights with a block time exceeding 5 hours.
The assistance provided depends on the duration of the delay.
Delays beyond six hours
Passengers on domestic flights have additional protections if the expected delay exceeds six hours.
If the revised departure time is communicated more than 24 hours before the originally scheduled departure, the airline must offer either:
An alternate flight within six hours, or
A full refund of the ticket.
When hotel accommodation becomes available
In some situations, airlines are also required to arrange complimentary hotel stays.
This applies if:
The passenger is informed of the delay more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure and the delay exceeds 24 hours, or
The delay is more than six hours for flights originally scheduled to depart between 8 pm and 3 am.
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What happens if your flight is cancelled?
If an airline cancels your flight between two weeks and 24 hours before departure, you must be given the choice of an alternate flight or a full refund.
Passengers may also be eligible for compensation if the airline fails to provide timely information or if the disruption causes them to miss a connecting flight booked under the same ticket.
The compensation limits are:
Up to Rs 5,000 for flights with a block time of up to one hour.
Up to Rs 7,500 for flights with a block time of more than one hour and up to two hours.
Up to Rs 10,000 for flights with a block time exceeding two hours.
In each case, the compensation will be the lower of the specified amount or the booked one-way basic fare plus the airline fuel charge.
Other rules passengers should remember
Travellers waiting for an alternate flight arranged by the airline are also entitled to free meals and refreshments based on the waiting period.
Passengers should ensure their contact details are accurate while booking tickets. If the airline cannot reach a passenger because incorrect contact information was provided, it is not obligated to pay financial compensation.
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If an alternate flight departs from or arrives at a different airport or terminal, the airline must bear the transfer cost unless the passenger was informed of the change at least six hours in advance.
Knowing these provisions can help passengers understand what assistance they can expect when bad weather affects flight schedules and avoid unnecessary confusion during travel disruptions.
FAQs:
Can I get a hotel if my flight is delayed?
Yes, in certain situations specified under the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Passenger Charter.
Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, passengers can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight in eligible cases.