New Delhi: Budget carrier, Indigo’s flight got delayed by four hours on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. The passengers were left stranded for four hours. The Bagdogra-bound IndiGo flight was scheduled to take off at 2:10 pm from Delhi and land at 4:10 pm at Bagdora Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal. But, because of “high ground temperature” at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the flight couldn’t take off on time. This meant a lot of inconvenience for passengers. In such a situation, what are passenger rights in cases of delayed flights.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has a SOP in place both for the airline and passengers in such cases. It gives rights to stranded passengers regarding what action they can take.
DGCA’s guidelines for passengers in case of flight delays
According to the DGCA’s SOP, airlines must provide real-time updates in cases of flight delays. If the flight is delayed by 2 to 4 hours, then, the airline should provide refreshments to the passengers.
The SOP also reads that if the flight delay exceeds 4 hours, passengers are entitled to a full refund of airfare. Although, these rules may not apply in special circumstances including natural disruptions. Passengers can take action in case of normal delays, arising out of airlines’ internal operations.
Indigo Flight Delay Clarification
Indigo’s parent company, InterGlove Aviation had issued a statement attributing the delay to adverse ground temperatures. The statement read, “IndiGo flight 6E 2521 between Delhi and Bagdogra was delayed due to high ground temperatures impeding operations.” Following the DGCA’s SOP, the airline provided refreshments to the passengers. Several media houses reported that the no-frills carrier’s staffs were sighted providing refreshments and water to passengers stranded due to the delay.
Indigo’s statement also read, ‘“IndiGo prioritises passenger safety above all else and is taking steps to enable a prompt departure. Passengers are being provided with regular updates and we regret the inconvenience caused due to factors beyond the airline’s control.’ The flight later took off at 5:51 pm after almost four delay.
The intense heat wave during the summer season has caused havoc in the national capital with blistering temperature rising to over 52 degree Celsius in May 2024.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)’s SOP, if an airline’s flight is delayed by 2 to 4 hours, then, it must provide refreshments to the stranded passengers. Personal Finance Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
