My flight was delayed 6 hours. What compensation can I claim?

What the Law Says

India does not have a statutory provision mandating fixed monetary compensation for flight delays. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues non-binding guidelines that airlines are expected to follow voluntarily.

The DGCA's 'Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 – Air Transport Series 'C' Part IV' (issued 2017, updated 2022) outlines passenger rights, including for flight delays. However, these are advisory — not enforceable by law — and do not create a legal right to automatic compensation.

Under these guidelines, if a flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, the airline must offer the passenger either an alternative flight within 6 hours or a full refund. Additionally, airlines should provide meals, refreshments, and communication facilities depending on delay duration — but this is a service expectation, not a legally actionable right.

Unlike the EU’s EC 261/2004 regulation, India has no equivalent statute imposing mandatory cash compensation based on delay duration or distance.

Statutory Text

In case of delay of more than six hours, the airline shall inform the passenger about the revised scheduled departure time and shall offer the option of an alternate flight within six hours or a full refund.

— DGCA CAR Section 3 – Air Transport Series 'C' Part IV, Clause 2.8.1 — Passenger Rights

Sources