India DGCA Passenger Rights: Compensation for Flight Delays in India

India's passenger rights for domestic flights are governed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), specifically Section 3 Series M Part IV. This regulation, last significantly updated in 2010 and amended since, applies to all scheduled domestic airline operations in India. The DGCA enforces compliance and handles passenger complaints.

Scope of India's DGCA rules: These regulations apply to domestic flights only. For international flights to or from India, the Montreal Convention 1999 governs liability for delays. If your international flight departed from an EU airport, EU261 may also apply.

The DGCA rules cover three main disruption scenarios: denied boarding due to overbooking, flight cancellation, and significant delay. Each has different compensation thresholds. For the general framework of how to get a refund from an airline, see this guide. For US flights, see US DOT rights.

When an airline denies boarding to a passenger with a confirmed reservation due to overbooking or operational reasons, DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part IV sets the following compensation:

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  INR 10,000 (or the ticket price, whichever is less): If the airline arranges an alternate flight that departs within 1 hour of the original departure.

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  INR 10,000: If the airline arranges an alternate flight departing between 1 and 24 hours of the original departure for flights with a sector distance up to 1,500 km.

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  INR 20,000: If the airline arranges an alternate flight departing between 1 and 24 hours of the original departure for flights with a sector distance over 1,500 km.

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  200% of the booked one-way fare (max INR 18,000): If no alternate flight is arranged within 24 hours, in addition to a full refund.

The compensation must be paid in cash, by cheque, or by electronic transfer. Airline vouchers may not be substituted without the passenger's written consent. Airlines must first seek volunteers before denying boarding involuntarily.

If an Indian airline cancels your domestic flight, your rights depend on how much notice is given:

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  Less than 2 weeks but more than 24 hours notice: The airline must offer a full refund, alternate transportation, or credit. No additional compensation is mandated.

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  Less than 24 hours notice: The airline must rebook you on an alternate flight at the earliest opportunity and provide meals and refreshments during the wait. If no alternate flight is available within 2 hours, a full refund is required.

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  At the airport: If you arrive at the airport and the flight is cancelled, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight wait results, and a full refund or alternate booking.

Note on force majeure: Indian airlines frequently cite 'technical snags' and weather as reasons for cancellations. Under DGCA rules, airlines must prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control to avoid compensation obligations. Vague 'operational reasons' are not sufficient.

For delayed domestic flights, DGCA CAR mandates minimum care obligations that airlines must provide:

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  Delay of 2 hours or more: Airlines must provide meals and refreshments.

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  Delay of 6 hours or more: Airlines must provide accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary, transport between the airport and hotel, and meals at the hotel.

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  Delay of 6 or more hours that is within the airline's control: Passengers may opt for a full refund instead of waiting for the delayed flight.

Unlike EU261, India's DGCA rules do not mandate fixed cash compensation simply for a flight delay. The entitlement is to care (meals, accommodation) and, in cases of extended delays within airline control, a refund option. Cash compensation is reserved for denied boarding and, in some cancellation scenarios, specific additional payments.

DGCA rules apply to all scheduled domestic carriers in India, including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara (now merged with Air India), Go First (ceased operations 2023), and AirAsia India. Steps to claim:

1. 1

   Approach the airline's airport desk or customer care desk at the time of the disruption and request your entitlements in writing.

2. 2

   Ask for a written delay/cancellation certificate specifying the reason for the disruption.

3. 3

   Submit a formal complaint to the airline's grievance officer. Airlines are required by DGCA to have a designated Nodal Officer for passenger grievances.

4. 4

   If the airline does not resolve within 30 days, escalate to the DGCA via the online complaint portal at dgca.gov.in.

5. 5

   For unresolved consumer disputes, the Consumer Forum (District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission) is an affordable alternative to civil courts.

For international flights departing from or arriving in India, the Montreal Convention 1999 governs delay liability. India acceded to Montreal, which means you can claim proven financial losses (not fixed amounts) up to 4,694 SDR per passenger. You must establish actual loss caused by the delay.

If your international flight from India connects to a flight departing from an EU airport, the EU leg may be covered by EU261. For example, if Air India flies you from Mumbai to Frankfurt and you then connect on Lufthansa to New York, the Frankfurt-New York leg is EU261-covered if Lufthansa delays or cancels it. Check the specific itinerary at TravelStacks.

1. 1

   Gather your booking confirmation, boarding pass, delay or cancellation certificate, and all expense receipts.

2. 2

   File a formal complaint with the airline's Nodal Officer (all airlines are required to have one under DGCA rules). The airline must respond within 30 days.

3. 3

   If unresolved, file with the DGCA's complaint portal. The DGCA forwards complaints to the airline and monitors responses.

4. 4

   For consumer disputes under INR 1 crore, the Consumer Forum is jurisdiction-appropriate and faster than civil courts.

5. 5

   For larger claims or systemic issues, consult the Ministry of Civil Aviation escalation pathways.

Consumer protection in India's aviation sector has strengthened significantly since 2010. IndiGo and Air India have both faced DGCA fines for systematic non-compliance with passenger rights rules. Persistence in filing formal complaints produces results, particularly when supported by documentation from the time of the disruption.

Common questions about DGCA passenger rights in India.