Which regulation applies?
DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part VI — Facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights
Source: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/CARS
Source: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/CARS
Step-by-step: what to do now
- 1 At the airport, ask the airline counter staff for a written confirmation of the delay length and reason. This is the foundation of every claim — without it, the airline can later dispute the duration.
- 2 Request meal vouchers if delay crosses 2 hours from scheduled departure. Indian carriers are obligated to provide these — they will NOT volunteer them. Mention DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI by name if pushback occurs.
- 3 If delay crosses 6 hours AND your rebooking is the next calendar day, demand a hotel room and ground transport. If the airline refuses, book it yourself and keep all receipts for reimbursement.
- 4 If delay exceeds 24 hours, choose: (a) full refund processed within 7 working days to your original payment source, OR (b) an alternative flight on a date of your choice.
- 5 If the airline refuses to acknowledge any of the above, file a written complaint via DGCA AirSewa (https://airsewa.gov.in) within 30 days of the incident. Include your PNR, ticket, written delay confirmation, and any expense receipts.
- 6 Escalate unresolved complaints to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) under Consumer Protection Act 2019. Indian courts have awarded ₹50,000-₹1,50,000 in punitive damages on top of standard DGCA compensation for clear airline negligence.
Compensation / refund table
| Scenario | Amount / outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delay 2-4 hours | Meal vouchers / refreshments | Mandatory per DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI |
| Delay 4-6 hours | Refreshments + alternative flight option | Right to switch to next available flight at no extra cost |
| Delay 6+ hours requiring overnight stay | Hotel + ground transport + meals | Airline arranges; if you self-arrange, keep receipts |
| Delay 24+ hours | Full refund OR free reschedule | Your choice — refund credits to original payment source in 7 working days |
| Delay caused by Force Majeure (weather, ATC, security) | No compensation; meals/hotel only at airline's discretion | DGCA exemption — airline is not liable but must still assist |
Time limit: File written complaint with the airline within 30 days. Escalate to DGCA AirSewa or consumer forum within 2 years.
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Learn more →Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for a 2-hour flight delay in India?
Not direct cash compensation — but the airline must provide meals/refreshments for any delay ≥2 hours per DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI. Cash compensation only triggers if the airline cancels the flight outright with <24 hours notice (₹5,000-₹10,000 depending on block time).
What if the airline cites "operational reasons" for delay?
"Operational reasons" is an airline-defined phrase, not a DGCA-recognised force majeure exemption. You retain the right to refreshments, alternative flight, and full refund if delay >24 hours. Push back; ask for the specific operational cause in writing.
Is weather delay covered for compensation?
No. Weather, ATC restrictions, security alerts, civil disturbance, and natural disasters are explicit DGCA exemptions (force majeure). The airline is not liable, though most still provide meals at their discretion.
How long does the airline take to refund a cancelled-due-to-delay ticket?
7 working days for credit/debit card refunds; 14 working days for cash and demand-draft purchases. Direct-to-airline bookings refund to original payment; OTA bookings (like HappyFares) refund to the OTA which then refunds you.
Can I sue an airline for delay compensation in India?
Yes — under Consumer Protection Act 2019. File at District Consumer Forum if claim is ≤₹50 lakh. Punitive damages of ₹50,000-₹1,50,000 have been awarded on top of standard DGCA compensation when negligence is proved.
Do I need to be at the airport to claim delay compensation?
No, but it helps. The strongest claims come with written delay confirmation from airline staff at the airport. If you couldn't reach the airport, the airline's flight-status records still support a delay claim.