Air travellers will now be compensated for cancellation or delays in flights. These flights will be the ones which have not been caused by situations like fog or any reason beyond the control of the airlines, if a new draft rule is implemented.
The new rules have been drafted by the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which has invited comments from the public before finalising them.
The decision came following the rapid expansion of air services on domestic and international routes which make it necessary for government to ensure appropriate protection for air travellers in case of flight disruptions, denied boarding, cancellations and delays without due notice to the passengers.
As the distinction between scheduled and non-scheduled services was coming down, such safety measures would also be provided to passengers travelling on non-scheduled flights, like charters.
The new rules or the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) would bring the Indian aviation law in tandem with the Montreal Convention in regard to the liabilities of the airlines.
The operating airline would, however, be under no obligation if the cancellations and delays are caused by events beyond its control, like natural calamities or political instability.
Under the draft CAR, the financial compensation would be given only if the amount of tickets cost is higher than the compensation amount.
It would be INR2,000 or the value of the ticket whichever is less for flights having a block time of up to and including one hour. Till two hours, the compensation would be INR3,000 or the value of the ticket whichever is less.
Similarly, if the delay is more than two hours, the amount would be INR4,000 or the value of the ticket whichever is less.
The draft rule provides that alternatively, the passenger would be offered the choice of a refund at the price it was purchased, a flight to the first point of departure and alternative transportation to the final destination wherever applicable.
Besides, the passengers shall be offered free of charge meals and refreshments and hotel accommodation, including transfers, when necessary.
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