India — Flight Compensation Rights
DGCA CAR — your rights on domestic flights within India
India's DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements protect passengers on domestic flights within India. Denied boarding, cancellations, and significant delays entitle you to compensation and assistance. For international flights departing India, the Montreal Convention applies.
Maximum compensation
₹10,000
per passenger, per flight
Claim time limit
⚡2 years
Regulation
DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) — Section 3, Series M, Part IV
Enforcement body
DGCA
Compensation amounts in India
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), specifically Section 3, Series M, Part IV, establishes passenger rights for domestic flights within India. The regulation covers denied boarding, cancellations, and delays, and applies to all airlines operating domestic routes in India. International flights from India are governed by the Montreal Convention for compensation purposes.
Tier 1
Up to 1,500 km
Short-haul
₹5,000
Tier 2
1,500–3,500 km
Medium-haul
₹7,500
Tier 3
Over 3,500 km
Long-haul
₹10,000
⚡ 2 years claim window — shortest in the EU
Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, passengers have 2 years from the date of the disrupted flight to file a complaint with the Consumer Forum. DGCA complaints should be filed as soon as possible. The AirSewa portal allows real-time complaint tracking.
Who enforces your rights in India
National enforcement authority
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
Passengers can file complaints with DGCA via its online complaint portal (AirSewa). Airlines are required to have a Nodal Officer for passenger grievances. The Consumer Forum (NCDRC/State/District) is the primary route for monetary compensation. DGCA can take regulatory action against airlines but does not directly award compensation.
Key airports in India
All flights departing these airports are covered by DGCA CAR.
Airlines covered in India
These carriers operate DGCA CAR-covered flights from India's airports.
What makes India different
Country-specific legal nuances that affect how you claim.
DGCA CAR primarily covers domestic flights
The DGCA CAR passenger rights framework applies specifically to domestic flights within India. For international flights departing India, the Montreal Convention governs compensation, which has different rules and typically lower fixed amounts.
Denied boarding compensation is the strongest protection
India's DGCA CAR has the clearest rules for denied boarding (overbooking). Airlines must first seek volunteers, then compensate involuntarily denied passengers with ₹5,000–₹10,000 depending on flight duration, plus meals and accommodation.
AirSewa portal for real-time complaint tracking
India's AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in) allows passengers to file and track complaints in real time. Airlines are required to respond within 3 working days. This is one of the most transparent complaint systems in Asia.
Consumer Forum is the primary route for monetary compensation
DGCA can take regulatory action but cannot directly award compensation. For monetary claims, passengers must file with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), State Commission, or National Commission (NCDRC) depending on claim value. The process is free for small claims.
How to claim in India
Indian domestic flight claims follow a two-track process: file with DGCA AirSewa for regulatory action, and separately with the Consumer Forum for monetary compensation. The Consumer Forum is the primary route for financial redress.
Submit your claim
Tell us your flight details and we'll assess your entitlement under DGCA CAR — no upfront cost.
Escalate if needed
File a complaint via the AirSewa portal (airsewa.gov.in) within 30 days of the disruption. Simultaneously, send a formal legal notice to the airline's Nodal Officer. Keep all documentation: boarding passes, receipts, and airline communications.
Receive your compensation
If unresolved, file with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) in your district. No lawyer is required for claims up to ₹50 lakh. The process is free and typically takes 3–6 months.
Frequently asked questions — India
Does DGCA CAR apply to international flights from India?
No — DGCA CAR primarily covers domestic flights within India. For international flights departing India, the Montreal Convention applies, which has different compensation rules.
What compensation am I entitled to for denied boarding?
For involuntary denied boarding on domestic flights: ₹5,000 for flights up to 1 hour, ₹7,500 for 1–4 hours, ₹10,000 for 4+ hours. Airlines must also provide meals and accommodation.
How do I file a complaint with DGCA?
File via the AirSewa portal at airsewa.gov.in. You can track your complaint in real time. Airlines must respond within 3 working days.
What if the airline ignores my complaint?
If the airline does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily, escalate to DGCA via AirSewa and file with the Consumer Forum. The Consumer Forum can award compensation and costs.
Are delays covered under DGCA CAR?
DGCA CAR has provisions for delay-related assistance (meals, accommodation) but the compensation framework is primarily focused on denied boarding and cancellations. For delay compensation on international flights, the Montreal Convention applies.
Was your India flight disrupted?
Check your entitlement in under 2 minutes. No win, no fee.⚡ Remember: India's 2 years limit applies — don't wait.