The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rolled out strict directives, ensuring that airlines proactively inform passengers of their rights during air travel.
Under this initiative, airlines are required to send a link to the passenger charter, compiled by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, via SMS or WhatsApp upon ticket booking. Moreover, these rights will be prominently displayed on tickets and airline websites.
The new mandate highlights essential passenger rights, such as compensation for delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and baggage issues. Airlines will also need to offer free wheelchair services for travellers with disabilities. This initiative is designed to address incidents such as the recent case of an elderly woman being denied wheelchair access at Delhi Airport, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in passenger services.
These steps are part of an overarching effort to empower passengers, minimize inconvenience during travel, and ensure better compliance by airlines with existing passenger-centric regulations. DGCA believes these measures will foster a more informed and hassle-free air travel experience for all passengers.