Flight Delayed or Cancelled in India? The DGCA Passenger Rules
India's passenger rights are set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV: "Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights." The version we reviewed is Revision 4, effective February 15, 2023. It applies to scheduled and non-scheduled Indian airlines and to foreign airlines operating to and from India.
Delays
If you checked in on time and the airline expects a delay beyond the scheduled (or previously revised) departure time of:
- 2+ hours for flights with a block time up to 2.5 hours,
- 3+ hours for flights with a block time of 2.5 to 5 hours, or
- 4+ hours for longer flights,
the airline must provide meals and refreshments in relation to the wait. For domestic flights expected to be delayed more than 6 hours (when this was communicated more than 24 hours before departure), the airline must offer an alternate flight within 6 hours or a full refund. When the delay is more than 24 hours, or more than 6 hours for flights scheduled to depart between 8 PM and 3 AM, hotel accommodation is required.
Cancellations
Airlines should inform passengers of a cancellation at least two weeks before departure. If you are told between two weeks and 24 hours before, the airline must offer an alternate flight or a refund. If you were not informed in time under these rules, or missed a connection booked on the same ticket, the CAR sets compensation in addition to a full refund (or an acceptable alternate flight):
- INR 5,000 or the one-way basic fare plus fuel charge, whichever is less, for block time up to 1 hour
- INR 7,500 (same rule) for block time over 1 and up to 2 hours
- INR 10,000 (same rule) for block time over 2 hours
No compensation applies when cancellations or delays come from extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as weather, air traffic control decisions, security risks, or strikes, if all reasonable measures were taken. The CAR also says passengers who did not give contact details when booking may not qualify for the compensation part.
Denied boarding
If you are denied boarding against your will, the CAR sets amounts tied to how soon the alternate flight leaves: 200% of the booked one-way basic fare plus fuel charge (up to INR 10,000) within 24 hours, or 400% (up to INR 20,000) beyond 24 hours. None applies if an alternate flight departs within 1 hour.
Main airports and airlines
Airports include Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Kochi (COK), Ahmedabad (AMD), and Goa (GOI, GOX). Airlines include IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet.
Where to complain
Write to the airline first. If the issue is not resolved, use AirSewa, the Ministry of Civil Aviation's grievance portal: airsewa.gov.in. DGCA publishes the CARs at dgca.gov.in. Consumer commissions are another route.
FAQ
Is fog a reason the airline doesn't have to pay? Weather, including fog, is listed as an extraordinary circumstance for compensation. Meals and other facilities can still apply depending on the situation.
Do these rules apply to Emirates or Lufthansa flights from India? The CAR says its protections cover foreign carriers operating to and from India. EU261 may also apply on some flights from Europe; see our Europe guides.
Do I have to accept a credit shell instead of a refund? Refunds follow DGCA's separate refund rules (CAR Section 3, Series M, Part II). Ask for the option you want in writing.
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? What to ask for
- Missed a connection because of a delay?
- Flight delay rules around the world
Create your letter
Delay Draft writes a clear, professional letter that you send to the airline yourself. It lists your flight, the times, the cause you were given, and the rule you are relying on. We are not a law firm, we do not give legal advice, and we do not file claims for you. Questions: claims@delaydraft.com.