Synopsis

Indian passengers have rights during monsoon flight disruptions. Airlines must offer refunds or alternative flights for cancellations due to weather. Passengers are entitled to meals and accommodation for significant delays. Bookings made via travel agents still guarantee refunds from the airline. Passengers can escalate unresolved refund issues through official channels.

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and other severe weather conditions often disrupt air travel during the monsoon season, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports. While weather-related delays and cancellations can be frustrating, travellers in India are protected under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's Passenger Charter of Rights and regulations issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Although airlines are generally not liable to pay compensation when bad weather affects operations, passengers are still entitled to refunds, alternative flights and certain forms of assistance. Here's what you need to know.

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, low visibility and cyclonic conditions can make flying unsafe. Airlines may delay or cancel flights after assessing weather conditions and operational safety.

Since adverse weather is considered a force majeure event, an extraordinary circumstance beyond an airline's control—airlines are usually exempt from paying monetary compensation for the disruption.

Yes. If your flight is cancelled because of severe weather, airlines are generally required to offer you one of the following options:

• A full refund of the ticket fare
• An alternative flight to your destination, subject to availability

Passengers can choose the option that best suits their travel plans.

Even when weather is responsible for the disruption, airlines are expected to provide reasonable assistance if passengers experience prolonged delays.

Depending on the duration of the delay and the circumstances, airlines may provide:

• Meals and refreshments
• Hotel accommodation for overnight delays
• Transport between the airport and the hotel, where applicable

The assistance offered may vary depending on the length of the delay and the airline's policy in line with DGCA guidelines.

According to DGCA regulations, passengers who booked tickets through travel agents or online travel portals are still entitled to receive refunds from the airline.

Travel agents act as authorised representatives of airlines, and the airline remains responsible for ensuring that eligible refunds are processed.

Under DGCA guidelines, airlines are required to complete the refund process within 14 working days, provided the passenger is eligible for a refund.

The refund should be processed through the original mode of payment unless otherwise agreed.

Passengers can apply for a refund through:

• The airline's official website
• The airline's mobile application
• Customer care or airport ticketing offices

If the booking was made through a travel agent or an online travel platform, the refund request should normally be initiated through the same booking channel.

If an airline fails to process an eligible refund or does not provide the required assistance during a disruption, passengers can escalate the issue through the following channels:

• The airline's grievance redressal mechanism
• The AirSewa portal
• The appropriate Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

Passengers should keep copies of their tickets, boarding passes, receipts and communication with the airline while raising a complaint.

Weather-related flight disruptions are unavoidable during the monsoon, but passengers are not left without protection. While airlines may not be required to pay compensation for delays or cancellations caused by heavy rain, travellers are generally entitled to refunds or alternative flights if services are cancelled, along with assistance such as meals or hotel accommodation during extended delays, as applicable under DGCA guidelines.

Inputs from TOI