The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all Indian airlines to provide compensation and facilities to passengers who are denied boarding despite reporting at the airport on time, or in event of flight cancellation or delay.
Noting that airlines have been indulging in “unfair practice” of denying boarding to passengers, the aviation regulator warned that “strict action will be initiated against the erring airline, including imposing financial penalties as per regulations” in case of violation of the directive.
As per the regulation, in an event of flight cancellation, airlines have to inform passengers two weeks before the concerned flight departure else arrange an alternate flight or issue a refund, as per the convenience of the passengers.
In case the passengers are informed of the cancellation less than two weeks before and up to 24 hours before the departure, the airline will have to offer alternate flight or refund the ticket, as acceptable to the concerned passenger,” the DGCA said.The aviation regulator also directed airlines to compensate or provide an alternate flight to passengers who miss their connecting flight due to delay or cancellation of the originating flight.
