Delhi Smog: Flight Delayed Or Cancelled? Here's What You Can Do

Air pollution in Delhi hit "severe" levels on Wednesday, with the air quality index (AQI) soaring to 422 at 6 am, suffocating residents and blanketing the city in dense smog. According to reports, the poor visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport caused disruptions, with 119 flights delayed and six cancelled. Airlines have specific policies regarding weather-related disruptions. In this scenario, airlines may allow you to rebook a different flight without extra charges, or get reimbursed for the same. However, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)'s Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), passengers have certain rights when it comes to flight delays and cancellations. If you’re travelling over the next few days, read to know what are your rights as passengers if your flights are delayed or cancelled:

Flight CancellationIn the event of a flight cancellation, airlines must offer either an alternate flight or compensation, in addition to a full refund of the air ticket, according to the ministry. Moreover, the airline is obligated to provide meals and refreshments to passengers who have reported for their original flight at the airport while awaiting the alternate flight. Flight DelaysRegarding flight delays, airlines are mandated to offer meals and refreshments, an alternate flight, or a full refund of the ticket to passengers. If the delay exceeds a certain duration, hotel accommodation (including transfers) may also be provided.

Flight OverbookingIf your flight is overbooked, airlines are mandated to ask volunteers who are willing to give their seats. If the passengers don’t volunteer, the airline must arrange a replacement flight within an hour of the originally scheduled departure.Should the alternative flight be provided more than 24 hours after the originally scheduled departure time, the compensation escalates to 400% of the booked one-way fare, along with the airline fuel charge, capped at a maximum of INR 20,000.