DGCA drafts new rule detailing conditions of compensation to air travelers for delayed, cancelled flights
24th June 2010
According to a PTI report, air travelers will now be compensated for cancellation or delays in flights which have not been caused by situations like fog or any reason beyond the control of the airlines, if a new draft rule by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is implemented. The new rules detailing conditions of compensation has been recently drafted by DGCA, which has invited comments from the public before finalizing them.
The decision for new draft rule came in the wake of rapid expansion of air services on domestic and international routes and the necessity for the government to ensure appropriate protection for air travelers in case of flight disruptions, denied boarding, cancellations and delays without due notice to the passengers. As the distinction between scheduled and non-scheduled services was reducing, such protectionary measures would also be provided to passengers travelling on non-scheduled flights like charters.
The new rules or Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) would bring the Indian aviation law in tandem with the Montreal Convention in regard to the liabilities of the airlines.
