No payout for delays

Mumbai: Contrary to the general perception, air passengers in India will not get any financial compensation for flight delays, no matter how long they are forced to wait. But from August 15, flyers will be compensated monetarily if any airline denies them boarding despite them having reported at the check-in counter on time with a confirmed air ticket. Such incidents are known to take place during peak season when airlines overbook.
Other than that, financial compensation will be payable only in case of flight cancellation, provided it is not for reasons beyond the control of an airline and if the carrier has not informed the flyer three hours in advance. In short, the Director General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) independence day package has very few goodies for the janta.
On Friday, the DGCA issued the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), section 3-air transport, listing the facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines in case of denial of boarding, delays and cancellation of flights. The new norms will come into effect from August 15. The DGCA had put up a draft proposal in July and it was open to objections and suggestions. The final document almost sticks to the draft proposal in content, except for a few changes, like, for instance, the rules which apply to Indian carriers will also be applicable to foreign carriers operating to/from India.
07/08/10 Manju V/Times of India

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: airports aug 2010, Indian Aviation- In General Aug 2010