Domestic flights in India are covered by the DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV - the passenger charter. It's less generous than EU261, but airlines often don't volunteer what you're owed.
Cancellation
If the airline cancels and informs you less than 2 weeks before departure (and doesn't offer an alternative within 2 hours of the original time), you're entitled to a refund or alternative flight, plus compensation:
| Block time | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | ₹5,000 or booked one-way basic fare + fuel charge, whichever is less |
| 1 - 2 hours | ₹7,500 or fare + fuel, whichever is less |
| Over 2 hours | ₹10,000 or fare + fuel, whichever is less |
Not payable for extraordinary circumstances (weather, ATC, security, strikes etc.).
Denied boarding (overbooking)
- Alternative flight within 1 hour: no compensation.
- Within 24 hours: 200% of basic fare + fuel, up to ₹10,000.
- Beyond 24 hours: 400%, up to ₹20,000.
Delays
- Meals and refreshments depending on block time and length of delay (from 2 hours for short flights).
- Delay over 6 hours (with notice less than 24 hours): alternative flight within 6 hours or a full refund.
- Delay over 6 hours between 8 pm and 3 am, or over 24 hours: hotel accommodation.
There is no fixed cash compensation for delays under the Indian CAR - but long delays can be a "deficiency in service" claim before the consumer commission.
Downgrade
Involuntary downgrade on a domestic flight: refund of 75% of the ticket cost including taxes.
How to escalate
- Complain to the airline in writing; keep the reference number.
- AirSewa (the government's aviation grievance portal) and the National Consumer Helpline (1915).
- District Consumer Commission for claims up to ₹50 lakh - file within 2 years, online through e-Daakhil.
Write your complaint or claim - it applies the right DGCA rule and amounts for your flight.