Flight cancellations

 Airlines must notify cancellations at least two weeks ahead, offering alternate flights or refunds. For notices less than two weeks but up to 24 hours before departure, passengers can choose alternate travel or full refunds. Short-notice cancellations or missed connections trigger compensation alongside refunds: Rs 5,000 for flights up to one hour block time, Rs 7,500 for up to two hours and Rs 10,000 for longer hours. If you have already reported for the original flight and while you wait for the alternate flight, the airline must provide free-of-charge meals and refreshments, in relation to waiting time. Additionally, airlines are required to cover transfer fees if rerouting to alternate airports.

 Denied boarding and diversions

 According to the norms, overbooking leading to denied boarding requires airlines to seek volunteers first. If no alternate flight departs within one hour, compensation is 200% of one-way basic fare plus fuel charge (max Rs 10,000) for flights within 24 hours or 400% (max Rs 20,000) beyond or full refund with 400% compensation if declined. Flight diversions over two hours waiting time mandate disembarkation with refreshments and for wait time under two hours, the airline should provide water, tea, or coffee.

 Baggage rights

 Airlines are liable for checked baggage lost, delayed or damaged on board or in their charge, limited to Rs 20,000 per passenger domestically and 1,131 SDR internationally; unchecked baggage claims require proof of airline fault. Cargo limits stand at Rs 350 per kg domestically and 19 SDR/kg internationally. Passengers can escalate unresolved claims via airline help desks, AirSewa portal or courts with force majeure events like natural disasters exempting compensation.