In the event of a flight cancellation or delay, passengers may have rights to a refund, an alternate flight and, in certain circumstances, assistance or compensation. The amount is not the same for every disruption.

Under DGCA rules, the timing of notice, the length of the delay, its cause, the passenger’s contact details and other conditions are important. Extraordinary circumstances and events beyond the airline’s control may have a different effect. A cancellation made by the passenger and one made by the airline are different situations.

What should you do now?

1. Ask the airline to provide the reason and available refund or alternate-flight options in writing.
2. Keep the ticket, boarding documents and cancellation messages.
3. Complain to the airline’s grievance officer and, if necessary, use the official aviation grievance mechanism.

Which documents should you keep?

The PNR, ticket, proof of payment, SMS/email messages and receipts for relevant necessary expenses.

Avoid this mistake

Do not incur uncontrolled expenses on the assumption that a hotel or fixed compensation will automatically be provided for every delay.

A hypothetical example

The airline cancelled the flight and offered an alternate flight or a refund. The passenger bought a new ticket at a higher price. Rather than assuming that the entire difference is automatically payable, the cancellation notice, the reason and the conditions under the applicable passenger rules must be considered.

Do you have no rights if you booked through a travel agent?

Your rights do not end; consider the respective roles of the airline and booking intermediary, as well as the refund trail.

Legal basis and useful sources

• DGCA — CAR concerning Denied Boarding, Cancellation and Flight Delay

This is general legal information. Advice may differ depending on your facts, the applicable law and state rules.