The new directive on compensation to flyers in case of flight delays, cancellation or being denied boarding issued late on Friday state that the protection shall be provided to passengers travelling not only on scheduled flights but also on non-scheduled flights and foreign carriers operating to/ from India.

The compensation shall be paid in cash, by bank transfer, or with the signed agreement of the passenger in the form of a travel vouchers, apart from offering the passenger the choice of refund of the air ticket at the price it was purchased or a flight to the first point of departure, among other options.

“The affected passenger shall be offered the choice between the compensation alternatives and once the option has been selected the affected passenger will not have the option to switch to another form of compensation,” the DGCA directive adds.

The directive makes it clear that the operating airlines would not have to pay compensation in cases where the cancellation and delays have been caused by extra-ordinary circumstance(s) beyond the control of airline including political instability, natural disaster, civil war, strikes and labour disputes causing cessation among others.

Similarly, airlines will not be liable to pay compensation in respect of cancellation delays clearly attributable to air traffic control, security risks among others.

The airlines have been asked to display their policies on compensation, refund and the facilities which they will provide to passengers when they are denied boarding, cancellations and delays on their Web sites and as part of the passenger Charter of Rights.