Flight Delayed or Cancelled? Know Your Rights & Get Compensation in India

What Are Your Rights When a Flight is Delayed in India?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid down clear rules under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV to protect airline passengers in India. Whether your flight is delayed, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you have specific rights and are entitled to compensation.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with DGCA or any airline. Always verify details on the official DGCA website.

DGCA Compensation Rules for Flight Delays

Airlines are required to provide the following facilities and compensation based on the duration of delay:

Delay of 2 Hours or More

• Meals and refreshments must be provided by the airline
• Airlines must keep passengers informed about the delay and expected departure time

Delay of 4 Hours or More

• Meals and refreshments continue to be provided
• Airline must offer the option of alternate flight or full refund
• If the passenger chooses to wait, refreshments must continue

Delay of 6 Hours or More

• If informed less than 24 hours before departure:
  • Airline must offer alternate flight or full refund
  • Hotel accommodation must be provided (for connecting passengers or if overnight delay)
  • Free transport between airport and hotel
• If informed more than 24 hours before departure:
  • Airline must offer alternate flight or full refund

Delay of 24 Hours or More (Cancellation)

• Full refund of the ticket
• Compensation as per denied boarding rules (see below)
• Alternate flight on the same or different airline

Compensation Table for Flight Delays & Cancellations

Denied Boarding Compensation (Overbooking)

When airlines overbook flights and deny boarding to confirmed passengers, DGCA mandates the following compensation:

Note: Airlines must first ask for volunteers who are willing to give up their seat in exchange for compensation before involuntarily denying boarding.

What Airlines Must Provide During Delays

• Information: Regular updates about delay duration and reason
• Meals: Free food and beverages during the wait
• Communication: Free phone calls or emails (2 per passenger)
• Hotel: If overnight delay, free hotel accommodation
• Transport: Free transport between airport and hotel
• Rebooking: Option to rebook on next available flight at no extra cost

How to File a Complaint for Flight Delay Compensation

Step 1: Complain to the Airline First

1. Contact the airline's customer care via phone, email, or app
2. Quote your PNR number and flight number
3. Clearly state the delay duration and compensation you are claiming
4. Keep a copy of the complaint and response

Step 2: File on AirSewa Portal

If the airline does not respond or rejects your claim within 15 days:

1. Visit https://AirSewa.gov.in/
2. Register with your mobile number
3. Click Grievance → Create Grievance
4. Select airline, enter flight details, and describe the issue
5. Upload boarding pass, delay proof (photos of departure board, airline SMS/email)
6. Submit and note the complaint number

Step 3: Escalate to DGCA

• If AirSewa does not resolve within 30 days, email DGCA directly at the address available on dgca.gov.in
• Include all previous complaint references

Step 4: Consumer Forum

• File a case at the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum
• You can claim compensation for delay, mental harassment, and consequential losses
• No lawyer required for claims up to ₹1 crore

Important Tips

1. Document everything — take photos of the departure board showing the delay, save airline SMS/email notifications, and keep your boarding pass
2. Know the reason — airlines are not liable for delays due to weather, air traffic control, or security reasons (force majeure); compensation applies mainly for airline-attributable delays
3. Claim at the airport — ask for meals and hotel at the airline counter during the delay itself; don't just wait silently
4. Keep boarding pass — even a digital boarding pass is valid proof; don't discard it after travel
5. File quickly — complaints are best filed within 30 days of the incident for faster resolution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is flight delay compensation mandatory in India?

Yes. As per DGCA CAR regulations, airlines are required to provide meals, accommodation, and compensation for delays depending on the duration. However, this applies only to delays attributable to the airline, not to weather or ATC issues.

Q2. How much compensation can I get for a delayed flight in India?

For denied boarding due to overbooking, compensation ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 depending on how quickly an alternate flight is arranged. For cancellations, you are entitled to a full refund plus possible compensation up to ₹10,000.

Q3. What should I do if my flight is delayed by more than 2 hours?

Ask the airline counter staff for free meals and refreshments. If the delay extends beyond 4 hours, you can opt for a full refund or an alternate flight. Document the delay with photos and save all airline communications.

Q4. Can I get hotel accommodation for a delayed flight?

Yes. If the flight is delayed by 6 hours or more and requires an overnight stay, the airline must provide free hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel.

Q5. Where do I file a complaint for flight delay in India?

File your complaint on the AirSewa portal (AirSewa.gov.in), which is DGCA's official grievance platform. You can also call the AirSewa helpline at 1800-11-4646 (toll-free).

Q6. Does flight delay compensation apply to budget airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet?

Yes. DGCA rules apply to all airlines operating in India, including budget carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.

Related guides: If your refund is stuck, see our flight ticket refund guide for tracking and claiming steps.