Your rights when a flight is delayed or cancelled

With the current widespread flight disruptions affecting travel across India, it is critical to separate 'airline policy' from your actual legal rights according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) norms. Based on the 2019 Passenger Charter and the 2025 Ministry of Civil Aviation affirmations, here’s what passengers caught in the chaos need to know.

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1. I'm at the airport and my flight is delayed. What do I get?

If you have checked in on time, your rights depend on the length of the delay relative to your flight duration.

• Free meals & refreshments: You are entitled to this if the delay is:

2+ hours (for flights with duration < 2.5 hours).

3+ hours (for flights with duration 2.5-5 hours).

4+ hours (for flights with duration > 5 hours)

• Rescheduling or refund: If the delay exceeds 6 hours, the airline must offer you a choice:

An alternate flight within 6 hours, OR

A full refund of the ticket.

2. Do I get a room if stuck overnight?

This is somewhat complicated. The rules differ based on why the flight is delayed.

The general rule: Airlines must provide free hotel accommodation (with transfers) if the delay is overnight or exceeds 24 hours.