Aviation Ministry To Increase Compensation For Passengers, Airlines Not Happy!

In a bid to safeguard air passenger rights and tackle the criticism about the government’s involvement in for passenger safety, the Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed that the compensation for loss of baggage or life in air accidents should be increased. They have also said that there should be a cap on the cancellation charges and passengers should get monetary benefits if they fail to board the airplane during connecting flights.

Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Jayant Sinha, tweeted on Wednesday saying that a preliminary discussion of two rounds was held with officials representing different airlines, airports and other stakeholders. This meeting has helped them to draft a passenger charter that they can place for consultation in the public domain.

Recently the ministry introduced a grievance redressal app and abolished the process of stamping passenger bags during airport security checks.

Below are the proposed changes to be made to the compensation structure for air passengers –

• Passengers will be compensated between Rs 3000 to Rs 20000 for missed flight connections by the airlines
• In cases of denied boarding, the ministry has suggested an on the spot auction and a minimum compensation of Rs 5000
• Airlines will have to pay Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 per kg for loss, delay or damage to bags as a liability for both domestic and international travel
• Airlines will have to compensate the passenger for missing a connecting flight due to the delay.
• An airline is liable to pay up to Rs 10 million for a passenger death in international travel and Rs 200,000 in domestic travel.
• The government also want airlines to not levy a fee for a change in name if a spelling error is pointed to by the passenger within 24 hours.
• Airlines will have to print cancellation charges on the ticket

These changes proposed by the ministry have come under a lot of scrutiny. Airlines have rejected the government’s proposal for changing rules related to compensation given to passengers in case of flight cancellations and delays.

The Federation of Indian Airlines(FIA), which consists of IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Jet Airways, has asked the government to continue with the current regulations because an increase in the compensation structure will lead to an increase in the airfare. It also said that infrastructure constraints at the airport are responsible for delays and cancellations and airlines cannot be held responsible.

The FIA has opposed to the decision to compensate passengers if they miss a connecting flight. According to the FIA, the airline cannot be held responsible for the passenger beyond the destination for which the ticket has been booked and whether the guest is booked on a different airline or has arranged a different mode of transport.

They have also opposed to the decision of not charging passengers for the change in spelling of the name beyond 24 hours as it may lead to misuse of airline seat inventory for tickets booked through travel agents and online travel sites.

Government officials said that the arguments submitted by airlines will be taken into consideration while drafting the passenger charter. This first draft will be placed in the public domain for consultation in the coming few days.

If you want to know about the different airline and compensation policies, Look no further! Download the AirWhizz App and get all the information related to airlines and their policies on the move.

Know your rights as a passenger and Fly Stress-Free!