Delayed or canceled flight? Will you get refund? Here is what DGCA says

New Delhi: As winter tightens its grip on northern parts of India, an annual challenge returns to plague air travelers—flight cancellations and delays. Dense fog, leading to reduced visibility, has particularly impacted operations at key airports, with Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport experiencing chaotic scenes, including over 100 flight delays and five diversions.

Monday unfolded as a chaotic day at Delhi's IGI airport, witnessing a surge in flight delays and diversions. Over 100 flights faced delays, disrupting passengers' travel plans. The situation mirrored the challenges encountered on the previous day.

Nationwide impact on air travel

Beyond Delhi, the impact extended to other airports across the country. Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport encountered 58 delayed flights and eight cancellations due to adverse weather conditions. Similar disruptions were reported at Patna and Mumbai airports, where low visibility led to extended waiting times.

Passenger frustrations escalate

The ongoing delays have triggered frustrations among passengers, leading to minor scuffles and even calls to hold airlines accountable. A viral video surfaced showing a passenger physically confronting a pilot of a Delhi-Goa IndiGo flight during an announcement about a delayed takeoff, likely occurring on Sunday.

A passenger punched an Indigo capt in the aircraft as he was making delay announcement. The guy ran up from the last row and punched the new Capt who replaced the previous crew who crossed FDTL. Unbelievable ! @DGCAIndia @MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/SkdlpWbaDd

— Capt_Ck (@Capt_Ck) January 14, 2024

Social media highlights chaos

Social media platforms have become a battleground for disgruntled passengers, showcasing heated arguments with airline ground staff and officials. Notable figures, including actors Radhika Apte, Sonu Sood, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, have drawn attention to the chaotic situation.

Passenger rights amid flight disruptions

Amidst the chaos, passengers find themselves questioning their rights and the responsibilities of airlines during such disruptions. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has established specific rules to address these situations.

DGCA rules for flight delays

According to DGCA regulations, airlines are obligated to provide meals to passengers in the event of flight delays. The provision, however, depends on the 'block time' of each flight. In aviation terminology, 'block time' refers to the total duration of a flight.

As passengers grapple with uncertainties and airlines navigate operational challenges, adherence to these rules becomes crucial to ensuring a smoother travel experience during the winter months.