Given the increasing aviation services in the country and the increasing number of passengers on the same scale, the exercise to solve the problems of the passengers has started.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will soon issue rules for compensation to passengers whose travel tickets have been ‘downgraded’ by airlines without their consent.
A provision is also being made to compensate the passengers in case of flight cancellation.
The DGCA said in a statement on Friday that under these amendments, it will be ensured that airlines will provide a full refund,
including ticket tax, to the passengers for downgrading their tickets without their consent.
That airline will also offer free travel to that passenger on the next available flight.
DGCA is preparing to amend its Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Rules.
CARs pertain to facilities provided by airlines to passengers due to denial of boarding, cancellation of flights, and delay in flights.
Final rules will be issued after consultation with stakeholders.
What if boarding is denied
1. If the airline has overbooked the aircraft, the airline will be asked to volunteer instead of benefits
2. If the airline denies boarding to the passenger even after the passenger has a confirmed ticket,
then no compensation will be given if an alternate flight has been arranged from the same place within one hour
3. If the airline denies boarding to the passenger even after having a confirmed ticket to travel on the flight, then compensation will be given if an alternate flight is available within 24 hours of departure.
Two hundred percent of the one-way fare and a fuel charge (maximum Rs 10,000) will be given.
Compensation in case of an alternate flight after 24 hours of the scheduled departure: 400 percent of the one-way fare plus fuel charges (maximum Rs 20,000) will have to be paid.
If the passenger does not want an alternate flight: A full refund plus 400 percent of the one-way fare plus fuel charge (up to a maximum of Rs 20,000).
flight cancellation rules
1. If the airline anticipates flight cancellation, the airline must inform the passenger two weeks in advance and arrange for an alternate flight
2. If the flight is canceled less than two weeks in advance and up to 24 hours after the booked flight,
within 2 hours of the original departure, the airline will have to arrange an alternate flight or refund.
3. Preparation for provision of a fine up to Rs 10,000 if the airline cancels a flight within less than 24 hours of the booked flight.
