Air passengers in India will have the right to compensation similar to their counterparts in Europe if the civil aviation ministry implements a proposal to this effect submitted by APAI (Air Passengers Association of India).
APAI has been taking up the cause of fliers with civil aviation ministry, aviation regulator and airlines among others. It recently submitted a white paper to the civil aviation ministry seeking formulation of rules that provide passengers rights similar to those granted by airlines operating in European Union (EU) countries.
"We recently submitted a white paper on this to the civil aviation ministry and other officials. Hope it becomes a law and passengers are saved from the high handedness of airlines," said Sudhakar Reddy, president, APAI.
In 2010, APAI forced the ministry to amend the compensation laws (for passengers) and make them more enforceable.
Recently, DGCA asked low cost carrier Spicejet to refund the fares of all the 170-odd passengers stranded for five hours after one of its flight was delayed due to engineering glitch, in June. The airline was also asked to refund the money it charged for snacks and beverages from these passengers.
The law mandates airlines to refund and compensate passengers for delays beyond a certain limit. Airlines are also required to serve stranded passengers snacks and beverages free of cost.
European Union aviation regulator introduced new rules in 2010 related to compensation and assistance for travellers who are victims of flight cancellations, long delays, denied boarding or involuntary downgrading. As per rules, airlines are required to provide passengers accommodation, refreshments, meals and communication facilities. If necessary, passengers should also be offered re-routing facility and refunds. Compensation can be as high as 600 per passenger.
EU laws (highlights)
Reimbursement within seven days.
A return flight to first point of departure at the earliest opportunity.
In case a town/city/region is served by several airports and an air carrier offers a passenger a flight to an airport alternative to that for which the booking was made, the carrier shall bear the cost of transferring the passenger from that alternative airport either to that for which the booking was made, or to another close-by agreed to by the passenger.
Meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the waiting time; hotel accommodation.
In addition, passengers shall be offered free of charge two telephone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails.
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