Flight delays in India? Passengers now entitled to free meals and refreshments
New guidelines enhance convenience during disruptions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has introduced regulations to improve passenger comfort during flight delays, particularly during winter months when low visibility often disrupts air travel.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) announced on Friday that airlines are now required to provide free water, snacks, or meals, depending on the duration of the delay.
The move is designed to prioritise passenger comfort during unforeseen delays, especially in fog-affected regions.
What are passengers entitled to?
Under the updated guidelines:
- Delays up to 2 hours: Airlines must provide drinking water.
- Delays between 2 and 4 hours: Passengers are entitled to tea or coffee with snacks or refreshments.
- Delays exceeding 4 hours: A full meal must be served.
The MoCA confirmed these provisions in a statement on X.com (formerly Twitter), emphasising the importance of addressing passengers' basic needs during extended delays.
In pursuance to Para 3.8.1(a) of CAR Section 3, Series M Part IV issued by DGCA, Airlines have been advised to provide facilities to passengers during flight delays. These measures are designed to prioritize passenger convenience during unforeseen disruptions.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) November 22, 2024
As per advisory… pic.twitter.com/LhKH4bjnNS
Measures at Delhi Airport
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is also taking steps to mitigate inconvenience caused by weather-related delays. Plans include a temporary enclosure where passengers can wait comfortably during delays exceeding two hours.
This enclosure will allow airlines to deplane passengers without subjecting them to fresh security checks, a process that often exacerbates delays.
Winter challenges for Indian aviation
Winter brings significant challenges to Indian aviation, with dense fog frequently causing delays and cancellations, particularly in northern airports.
Earlier this week, Delhi Airport experienced over 600 delayed flights, including arrivals and departures, while 21 flights were cancelled due to poor visibility. Data from FlightRadar24 revealed that departures faced the longest delays.
These new rules aim to make unavoidable delays less stressful by ensuring passengers have access to refreshments and meals during extended wait times.
Smoother reboarding
To address long-standing complaints about passengers being confined inside aircraft during delays, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has introduced new reboarding procedures.
Previously, passengers were kept on board to avoid repeating security checks, often resulting in further delays. Under the updated rules, passengers can now disembark and reboard without undergoing fresh screenings, provided the delay is caused by weather or technical issues.
This change is expected to optimise flight operations and reduce inconvenience during high-traffic periods, such as the winter fog season.