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Consumer Rights 4 min read

Flight Cancelled or Delayed? Here's What the Airline Actually Owes You

Airlines don't advertise this, but DGCA rules are specific about what you're owed.

Under DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), if a domestic flight is cancelled or delayed by more than a few hours (thresholds vary by notice period), you're entitled to alternate flight arrangements, a full refund, or compensation — depending on how much advance notice you got.

For a cancellation with less than 2 weeks' notice and no alternate flight offered close to your original time, compensation ranges roughly ₹5,000-₹10,000 depending on flight distance, on top of a refund.

For delays, airlines must provide meals/refreshments after a set wait time, and hotel accommodation for very long delays or overnight disruptions — keep your boarding pass and any communication from the airline as proof if you need to claim.

DGCA CAR Section 3, Series M

The specific regulation governing cancellation, delay, and denied-boarding compensation

Quick Answers

Still wondering about...

What if the airline blames weather or air traffic control?
Compensation obligations are typically waived for reasons genuinely outside the airline's control — but the airline still has to assist with alternate arrangements and refreshments.

Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website and doesn't take a position on the NEET protests themselves — this is general information about rights every student already has, not legal advice for a specific situation. For that, contact a lawyer or the free legal aid helpline (15100).