India Legal News: Airlines to Pay Passengers for Delays and Cancellations

 

Based on India legal news reports, it is clear that this move by the government intends to safeguard public interest. Patel also said that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is developing the final Civil Aviation Rule (CAR). Further, he said that the feedbacks received on the draft are being compiled.

 

Also, the minister added that the new rules provide that airlines will need to pay compensation and/or provide added facilities to the commuters, in case of cancellation/delays of flights and rejection of boarding.

 

While asked a question about the Mangalore air crash that took place on May 22, 2010, the Civil Aviation Minister stated that 11 airports in India have been designated as ‘critical airports’ in terms of flight operations. Also, a team of the DGCA officials are inspecting these airports and will submit it to the respective aerodrome operators. He pointed out that the Mangalore airport held a valid license on May 22, 2010, when the accident occurred. The license was issued in December 2009.

 

When asked about the several incidents of tyre burst, in the last three years, the minister replied that the DGCA has issued licenses to 14 airports for scheduled flight operations. However, only five airports are handled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Remaining nine airports are operated by others. Is this a diplomatic excuse or a political one? We, the voters, should analyze and decide.

 

In case of negligence on the part of airlines authorities, you can file a case under the Consumer Protection Act. Flight delays/cancellation, delays in refunding money of unused tickets, delay in delivery of luggage, loss of baggage, serving adulterated food or physical injury caused due to negligence of the airlines staff are instances of negligence and valid grounds to file a case against them in a consumer court.