DGCA Slaps Rs 10 Lakhs Fine On Air India For Not Providing Facilities To Passengers Of Delayed And Cancelled Flights
Aviation watchdog DGCA has imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on Air India for non-compliance with passenger-centric regulations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found that Air India failed to provide mandatory facilities to passengers who were denied boarding or whose flights were delayed or cancelled.
Why Air India was fined
The DGCA said that it carried out inspections at Delhi, Kochi and Bangalore Airports of Scheduled Domestic Operators in the months of May and September to ascertain the discharge of their obligations related to facilities/compensation provided to the passengers as per provisions laid down in regulations.
"During the inspections of the airlines, it was observed that Air India was not complying with the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). Accordingly, a show cause notice was issued to Air India on November 3 seeking their response for non-compliance to the provisions of the relevant regulations," said a senior DGCA official.
"Based on the reply submitted by Air India, it was found that it has not complied with the provisions of the CAR, inter-alia, not providing hotel accommodation for passengers affected by delayed flights, non-training of some of their ground personnel as per the stipulations laid down in the CAR and non-payment of compensation to international business class passengers who were made to travel on unserviceable seats," said the official.
"Accordingly, the DGCA has imposed a financial penalty of Rs.10 lakh on Air India for non-compliance of regulations," the official added.
What Civil Aviation Requirements say
According to the DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirements that came into force on 15th August 2010, the following facilities are to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights.
Facilities to be provided in cases of cancellation or delays
Meals and refreshments in relation to waiting time,
Hotel Accommodation when necessary (including transfers)
Denied Boarding
If the number of passengers who have been given confirmed bookings is more than the number of seats available, the airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats.
In exchange for such benefits/facilities as the airline, at its own discretion, may wish to offer, provided airports concerned have dedicated check-in facilities/gate areas, which make it practical for the airline to do so.
If boarding is denied to passengers against their will, the airline shall compensate them as soon as practicable under the provisions in addition to a refund of air ticket.
Cancellation of Flight
If a flight is cancelled, the airline must inform the passengers of cancellation as far in advance as possible of the scheduled time of departure provided at the time of effecting their reservation.
If passengers have not been informed at least three hours in advance about the flight cancellation, the airline shall provide compensation for the inconvenience caused.
Refund the ticket prices if they do not wish to travel instead on an alternate or subsequent flight.?Further, providing them with facilities at the airport.
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