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Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation in India
If your flight in India is delayed, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you have rights as a passenger. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established clear rules under CAR Section 3, Series M, Part IV, which mandate airlines to provide fixed compensation amounts, refunds, and care in case of such disruptions. These rules were significantly revised in October 2023, increasing the compensation amounts. This checker helps you determine your eligibility and the exact compensation amount you can claim under the latest rules.
How is Compensation Determined?
The DGCA rules specify fixed compensation amounts in Indian Rupees (INR). The amount depends on three factors: the type of incident (cancellation, denied boarding, or delay), the scheduled duration of your flight, and, for delays, how long you were delayed.
- Cancellation: You are entitled to compensation if the airline cancels your flight and informs you less than two weeks before the scheduled departure. The amount is a fixed sum based on your flight's duration bracket.
- Denied Boarding (Involuntary): If you are denied boarding against your will (e.g., overbooking), you are eligible for a fixed compensation amount based on your flight's duration.
- Delay: Compensation is payable if your flight arrives at its final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more. The fixed amount increases with the length of the delay (3-4 hours, 4-12 hours, over 12 hours) and is also based on your flight's scheduled duration.
Unlike some other jurisdictions, the compensation is NOT a percentage of your ticket fare. It is a fixed liability on the airline.
A Step-by-Step Example
Imagine you booked a flight from Delhi to Mumbai with a scheduled duration of 2 hours (falls in the '1-2 hours' bracket). The airline cancels the flight and informs you only 3 days (72 hours) before departure. You paid INR 15,000 for the ticket.
- Type of Incident: Cancellation.
- Advance Notice: 24 hours to 7 days (eligible for compensation).
- Flight Duration Bracket: 1-2 hours.
- Applicable Fixed Amount: For cancellations with short notice on a 1-2 hour flight, the compensation is INR 7,500 (as per the October 2023 revision).
- Compensation Amount: INR 7,500.
- Refund Eligibility: Since you were informed more than 24 hours before departure, you are NOT eligible for an automatic full refund under the compensation rules. (You may still be offered an alternate flight or a refund as per the airline's policy).
- Total Claimable: INR 7,500 (compensation).
Common Scenarios and Exceptions
No Compensation in Extraordinary Circumstances: Airlines are not liable to pay compensation if the disruption was caused by events outside their control, such as political instability, natural disasters, security risks, or air traffic control restrictions. However, they must still provide care and assistance (like meals and accommodation).
Care and Assistance is Mandatory: Regardless of compensation, for delays beyond a certain point, airlines must offer free meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required, and communication facilities.
Refund vs. Compensation: A full refund of the total ticket value (including all taxes) is a separate obligation. It is triggered only if the flight is cancelled and the passenger is informed within 24 hours of the scheduled departure time or not informed at all, AND the airline does not provide an alternate flight within 1 hour of the original schedule. Compensation is an additional fixed amount paid for the inconvenience.
Next Steps: Filing Your Claim
If the checker shows you are eligible for compensation, the next step is to formally contact the airline. We recommend using a well-drafted claim letter. Our Letter to Claim Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flight template helps you structure your demand professionally, including all necessary details like flight information, disruption type, the fixed compensation amount, and a deadline for response. This increases your chances of a successful claim without needing to approach a consumer court initially.