New Delhi: For the past few days airlines in India have been facing flight operations particularly Indigo. Over 1300 flights have been cancelled in the past four days. As a result passengers have faced numerous difficulties. In Mumbai Delhi Bengaluru and Hyderabad passengers have had to wait 10 to 12 hours and some passengers have even waited for more than 24 hours.

Therefore it is important to know what services you should be provided with by the airline if your flight is delayed. DGCA established regulations regarding this in 2019 which every airline must follow.
What if the flight is delayed after check-in?
If a passenger has checked in at the airport within the scheduled time to catch their flight and later discovers that their flight is delayed the airline is obligated to compensate the passenger. In such a situation the airline must arrange for free meals and refreshments for the passenger.
Waiting arrangements
Sometimes airlines book more passengers than the number of seats available on a flight. In such a situation if you are not allowed to board the flight due to the unavailability of seats the airline must provide waiting facilities. In such a case the airline has to provide the passenger another flight.
If a domestic flight is delayed by more than 6 hours?
If an airlines flight is delayed by more than 6 hours the airline must inform passengers 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Furthermore it must arrange for another flight for the passenger within 6 hours. If a passenger requests a refund the full amount must be refunded.
If a flight is delayed by more than 24 hours?
If a flight is delayed by more than 24 hours the airline must arrange for hotel accommodation and food for passengers. Passengers cannot be charged a single rupee for this. Furthermore if a flight is delayed by more than 6 hours between 8 pm and 3 am the airline must also arrange for hotel accommodation and food for passengers.
What if the flight is cancelled?
According to the DGCAs 2019 amendments if a flight is cancelled the airline must arrange an alternative flight for passengers and provide a full refund.
You will receive 10000 rupees
If the airline does not inform passengers that their flight is cancelled then heavy fines are imposed. Missing a flight with a one-hour delay will result in a fine of Rs 5000 or the one-way fare and missing a flight with a two-hour delay will result in a fine of Rs 7500 or the one-way fare. Similarly missing a flight with a two-hour delay or more will result in a fine of Rs 10000 or the one-way fare.
How to get compensation or a refund?
If you face difficulties or incur additional expenses due to a flight delay or cancellation you can claim compensation or a refund. You must submit all ticket-related documents including the identity proof provided at the time of booking travel details and hotel or food bills.

If you booked your ticket using cash you will receive an immediate refund. However if you paid by credit card you will receive a refund within 7 days. If you booked your ticket through a travel agent the agent is responsible for providing the refund.
Refunds must be made within 30 days
According to the new DGCA regulations airlines must resolve passenger complaints within 30 days. If this doesnt happen or the company refuses to provide compensation you can file a complaint on the Aviation Ministrys Air Services portal.