Know Before You Fly: A Complete Guide To Your Rights As An Air Passenger In India

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 14:05 IST

From denied boarding to lost baggage, here's everything you need to know about compensation, refunds and free meals as a flyer in India.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Passenger Charter has laid out a comprehensive set of rights designed to protect every traveller flying to, from or within India. Less than 0.1% of flyers face inconvenience, but when they do, knowing your rights can make all the difference.

Here is everything you need to know.

What Are Your Rights If Your Flight Is Delayed?

Your rights depend on the nature and length of the delay. If you have checked in on time but the airline expects a delay of 2 hours or more (for short-haul flights) or 3–4 hours (for longer block times), the airline must offer you free meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time. If your domestic flight is expected to be delayed by more than 6 hours, the airline must inform you more than 24 hours before the original scheduled departure, and must offer you the choice of either an alternate flight within 6 hours or a full refund of your ticket. If the airline communicates a delay of more than 24 hours and that delay exceeds 6 hours for flights scheduled between 20:00 and 03:00, you are entitled to free hotel accommodation.

What Happens If Your Flight Is Cancelled?

Airlines are required by law to inform you of a cancellation at least two weeks before your scheduled departure and to arrange either an alternate flight or a full refund. If you are informed less than two weeks before departure- or not at all- and you miss your connecting flight booked on the same ticket, you are owed more. In addition to a full refund, you are entitled to financial compensation ranging from Rs 5,000 for flights with a block time of up to 1 hour, Rs 7,500 for block times between 1 and 2 hours and Rs 10,000 for flights with a block time of more than 2 hours. While you wait for an alternate flight, you must be provided free meals and refreshments. If the airline uses a different airport or terminal from what you booked, it must bear the transfer costs.

What Do You Do If You Are Denied Boarding Due to Overbooking?

Overbooking occurs when more passengers hold confirmed tickets than there are available seats. Airlines must first seek volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for benefits. If no suitable arrangement is made and an alternate flight departing within one hour of the original scheduled time cannot be arranged, you are entitled to substantial compensation. If an alternate flight is provided within 24 hours, the airline must pay you 200% of your one-way booked basic fare plus airline fuel charge, up to a maximum of Rs 10,000. If the alternate flight departs more than 24 hours later, the compensation rises to 400% of the same, capped at Rs 20,000. If you opt not to take an alternate flight at all, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket plus 400% compensation, again up to Rs 20,000.

What Do You Need To Know About Ticket Cancellation Charges?

Airlines must clearly display their cancellation charges at the time of booking- both the amount and its breakdown must be indicated on the ticket itself or through a separate form and also displayed on the airline’s website. If you cancel your ticket, the airline must refund all statutory taxes, user development fee, airport development fee and passenger service fee.

Can You Cancel Or Amend A Ticket Without Charges Within 24 Hours?

Yes. You can cancel or amend your ticket without any additional charges if you do so within 24 hours of booking. However, this facility is only available if the flight departure is at least 7 days away at the time of cancellation or amendment.

What Happens In A Medical Emergency At Airport?

All airports across India are equipped with medical doctors, ambulances, medical support equipment, paramedical personnel and expert handling for medical emergencies. If you feel unwell at any point during your travel, the airport is prepared to assist you immediately.

What If Your Baggage Is Lost, Delayed Or Damaged?

You can claim damages from the airline only if the loss, delay or damage to your baggage occurred while it was in the airline’s care- either on board the aircraft or during any period when the checked baggage was under the carrier’s charge. For domestic travel, the carrier’s liability is limited to Rs 20,000 per passenger for baggage and Rs 350 per kg for cargo. For international travel, these limits are 1,131 SDR per passenger for baggage and 19 SDR per kg for cargo. For unchecked or cabin baggage, the carrier is only liable if the damage resulted from its own fault or that of its agents.

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