DGCA Orders Airlines to Meet Passenger Needs Amid Flight Delays

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory urging airlines to ensure a basic level of amenities for passengers experiencing extended delays, a move that aims to mitigate passenger inconvenience during disruptions. This directive follows increasing complaints and growing frustration from air travelers due to prolonged wait times and insufficient assistance from carriers during delays.

The DGCA's new guidelines, designed to offer passengers relief during delays exceeding 30 minutes, focus on providing essential services like food, water, and communication access. Airlines are expected to clearly inform passengers about their rights in case of cancellations or delays and are required to issue detailed information regarding the timelines and procedures for such delays.

The advisory also includes provisions for compensation, outlining a framework for airlines to ensure fairness and transparency when delays result in passengers being stranded. Additionally, new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been introduced, emphasizing passenger rights and mandating carriers to provide alternative arrangements when possible, including hotel accommodations when delays exceed a certain threshold.

This comes as part of a broader effort to address growing concerns over airline practices amidst unpredictable weather events and operational challenges. The winter months have been particularly harsh on air travel, with dense fog causing major disruptions at key airports across India, including New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which saw hundreds of delays in recent days.