DELHI- Indian Airlines must now provide refreshments and meals to passengers during flight delays, per a new advisory issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
For delays lasting two hours or less, airlines must offer drinking water. For delays between two and four hours, passengers are entitled to tea, coffee, and snacks. Further, for delays exceeding four hours, airlines are required to serve meals.
Indian Airlines Flight Delayed
This directive comes as low visibility in northern India has begun causing significant delays during the winter season, with cascading disruptions across airline networks due to sector-specific delays.
The aviation ministry highlighted these measures in a statement on X, emphasizing the focus on passenger convenience during unexpected disruptions.
It stated: “Airlines have been advised to provide facilities to passengers during flight delays. These measures aim to prioritize passenger convenience during unforeseen disruptions… Drinking water for delays up to two hours; tea or coffee with snacks for delays between two and four hours; and meals for delays beyond four hours.”
The ministry added that these measures are designed to address passengers’ basic needs and improve their overall experience during extended waiting times.
DGCA Advisiory for Delays
In addition to the DGCA advisory, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has taken steps to address a recurring passenger grievance — being kept onboard aircraft for extended periods during weather-related delays.
The BCAS has introduced guidelines allowing smoother re-entry of passengers who disembark due to such delays. This change minimizes inconvenience and enables efficient re-boarding once flights resume. A coordinated drill involving stakeholders is being conducted to implement this policy effectively.
Passengers at airports like Delhi’s IGIA, known for severe fog during winter, have long complained about being confined inside aircraft for hours while waiting for visibility to improve.
Previously, disembarking during delays was avoided because it required re-screening passengers through security, adding to delays and causing aircraft to lose their takeoff slots.
The amended BCAS rule aims to alleviate this issue, ensuring passengers are no longer subjected to prolonged confinement during such disruptions.
These measures are expected to enhance passenger comfort and streamline operations during a challenging winter travel season.
This comes after Multiple flights delayed and diverted at Delhi Airport amid winter smog.
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