Disclaimer: Information on this page is for general guidance only. Airline policies, fares, discounts, and government rules change frequently. Always verify with the airline or official source before making decisions. Rules vary by airline, fare type, route, and date. TheBookFlight is not responsible for any changes in airline or government policies.
Note: Airline policies, fares, and rules change frequently. Always verify with the airline or official source before making decisions. Information provided is for general guidance only.
When your flight is delayed or cancelled in India, you have legal rights protected by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Airlines are required to provide meals, accommodation, refunds, and compensation depending on the duration and type of delay. This guide explains your entitlements and how to claim them.
The DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV mandates specific passenger rights during flight delays:
| Delay Duration | Airline Must Provide |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | No mandatory compensation. Airline should keep passengers informed. |
| 1-2 hours | Free drinking water and snacks |
| 2-4 hours | Free meals in addition to water/snacks |
| 4-6 hours | Free meals + option to rebook on next flight or get full refund |
| 6+ hours | Free meals + hotel accommodation (if overnight) + transport to/from hotel + rebooking or refund |
Key Point: These are your legal rights, not goodwill gestures. Airlines are required by DGCA regulations to provide these facilities. If an airline refuses, you can file a complaint with DGCA or the Airline Grievance Cell.
When an airline cancels your flight, DGCA rules provide even stronger protections:
| Notice Period | Passenger Entitlement |
|---|---|
| No prior notice (cancellation at airport) | Full refund OR alternate flight + compensation up to ₹10,000 |
| 0-24 hours notice | Full refund OR alternate flight + compensation up to ₹5,000-₹10,000 |
| 24 hours 2 weeks notice | Full refund OR alternate flight |
| 2+ weeks notice | Full refund OR alternate flight (no additional compensation required) |
| Flight Duration | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| Flights up to 1 hour block time | Up to ₹5,000 or booked one-way fare, whichever is less |
| Flights 1-2 hours block time | Up to ₹7,500 or booked one-way fare, whichever is less |
| Flights over 2 hours block time | Up to ₹10,000 or booked one-way fare, whichever is less |
Exception: Airlines are NOT required to pay compensation if the delay/cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control — severe weather, air traffic restrictions, security threats, or government orders. However, they must still provide meals and accommodation.
If you're denied boarding due to overbooking (airline sold more tickets than available seats), DGCA rules provide the strongest compensation:
| Alternate Arrangement | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Alternate flight within 1 hour of original departure | 200% of booked one-way fare or ₹10,000, whichever is less |
| Alternate flight arriving more than 1 hour after original | 400% of booked one-way fare or ₹20,000, whichever is less |
| No alternate flight provided | Full refund + 400% of one-way fare or ₹20,000, whichever is less |
AirSewa App: Download the AirSewa app (by Ministry of Civil Aviation) to file complaints, check flight status, and access your passenger rights information. Complaints filed through AirSewa are monitored by DGCA.
TheBookFlight support can help you claim your rights, rebook flights, and process compensation claims.
Contact SupportFor a 3-hour delay, the airline must provide free meals and drinking water. If the delay extends to 4+ hours, you can choose between rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund. For delays of 6+ hours requiring overnight stay, the airline must also provide hotel accommodation and transport. | Cancellation Refund Guide
No, airlines are not required to pay monetary compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances like bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, or security threats. However, they are still required to provide meals, water, and accommodation regardless of the reason for the delay. | Cancellation Refund Guide
First, file a complaint with the airline directly (customer care email or website). If the airline does not respond within 30 days, escalate to the AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in) or app. DGCA monitors complaints filed through AirSewa. For serious cases, approach the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. | Cancellation Refund Guide
As per DGCA rules, you can choose between a refund/compensation in the original mode of payment or travel vouchers. If the airline only offers vouchers and you want cash, insist on your right to a cash refund. If refused, file a complaint with DGCA. | Cancellation Refund Guide
Yes. DGCA regulations apply to all airlines operating in India, including budget carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and others. The compensation rules are the same regardless of whether the airline is full-service or low-cost. | Cancellation Refund Guide
There is no specific DGCA deadline for filing a compensation claim, but it is recommended to file within 30 days of the incident. For consumer court cases, the limitation period is 2 years from the date of the incident. File your claim as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh. | Cancellation Refund Guide
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