DGCA Passenger Rights in India 2026 — Delays, Cancellations and Denied Boarding Compensation Explained
By Ishaani Reddy (Ishaani Reddy writes about the consumer-protection side of travel — DGCA passenger rights, OTA refund policies, hidden fees, dynamic-currency-conversion traps and the seven kinds of booking mistakes that quietly drain Indian travel budgets.) · Published · 11 min read
DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV gives Indian air travellers specific monetary rights when flights are delayed, cancelled or oversold. Here is the full 2026 picture of what you can claim and how to claim it.
What this article covers
What the DGCA CAR actually covers and who it protects
Flight delay — what you get and when
Flight cancellation — the compensation slabs in rupees
Denied boarding — the involuntary bumping rights
When the airline owes you nothing — extraordinary circumstances
How to file the AirSewa complaint and what gets resolved
Baggage compensation rules and the Montreal Convention overlay
Refund timelines — the 7-day rule and what to do if breached
What you should carry to every Indian airport in case of disruption
Frequently asked questions
Is the DGCA compensation paid in cash or as a voucher?
The compensation under CAR Section 3 Series M Part IV must be paid as cash or bank transfer in rupees to the passenger. Airlines may offer a voucher as an alternative, but it is the passenger's choice whether to accept the voucher or insist on cash. Many passengers accept the voucher because it is offered up-front at the airport, but you are within your rights to refuse the voucher and demand cash transfer, which must be paid within 7 working days.
What is the maximum compensation for a domestic flight cancellation in India?
Under CAR Section 3 Series M Part IV, the maximum monetary compensation for a domestic flight cancellation by the airline within its control is 10,000 rupees or the booked one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, whichever is less. This is payable in addition to the full ticket refund or rebooking on the next available flight. The compensation only applies if the cancellation is notified less than 24 hours before scheduled departure or after the cancellation occurs without any prior notification.
Can I claim compensation if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
No, weather-related cancellations are considered extraordinary circumstances under the CAR and the airline is exempted from the monetary compensation slab. However, the airline must still offer you a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight, and must provide meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation if the delay extends overnight. Always ask for documented confirmation that the cancellation was weather-related, since airlines sometimes invoke extraordinary circumstances loosely.
How long do I have to file an AirSewa complaint after a disruption?
AirSewa accepts complaints filed within 3 months of the date of incident, though earlier is always better. You must first raise the complaint with the airline directly and wait for the airline's response (typically 30 days), then escalate to AirSewa with the airline reference number and supporting documents. The portal tracks each complaint with a unique ID and the airline is required to respond within the stipulated timeline.
What proof do I need to claim baggage delay compensation?
You need three things. First, the Property Irregularity Report (PIR) issued at the airport before you left the baggage hall — without this, the claim is extremely hard to pursue. Second, your boarding pass and baggage tag receipt showing the bag was checked in. Third, original receipts for the essential interim purchases you made (clothing, toiletries, charger) while waiting for the bag. Submit the claim within 21 days for international flights under the Montreal Convention.
If my flight is overbooked and I am bumped, what is the airline required to pay?
If you have a confirmed ticket and are involuntarily bumped due to airline overbooking, the compensation depends on the delay to your eventual departure. If alternate flight is within 1 hour of the original, no compensation. If alternate is 1 to 24 hours later (domestic) or 1 to 12 hours (international), 200 percent of one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, capped at 10,000 rupees. If alternate is over 24 hours (domestic) or 12 hours (international), 400 percent of fare plus fuel charge, capped at 20,000 rupees.
Does CAR Section 3 Series M Part IV apply to foreign airlines flying to and from India?
Yes, foreign carriers operating scheduled commercial flights to and from Indian airports are required to comply with the same CAR provisions for the India-leg of the journey. For passengers connecting onward on the same airline, the international Montreal Convention regime typically governs the connecting leg. In practice, foreign airlines have generally been compliant with the CAR at Indian airports because non-compliance can affect their operating permits.
Can I claim compensation through the National Consumer Helpline at 1915?
The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) at 1915 (call) or ncphelpline.gov.in (online) is a parallel channel that can help in airline disputes alongside AirSewa. NCH does not adjudicate claims but it facilitates communication between the consumer and the company, often resulting in faster resolution because companies are required to respond to NCH-routed complaints. For DGCA-specific issues, AirSewa is more direct; for general service complaints or refund delays involving OTAs, NCH at 1915 is often more effective.