The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new regulations to address passenger inconvenience caused by flight delays, ensuring that airlines provide essential food and snacks during extended delays. This decision comes after frequent complaints from passengers who had to endure long wait times, especially during foggy weather when delays can stretch for hours.
Under the new guidelines, airlines are required to offer passengers the following amenities depending on the duration of the delay:
- For delays of up to 2 hours, airlines must provide drinking water to passengers.
- For delays between 2 to 4 hours, passengers will be given tea, coffee, and breakfast to ensure they are more comfortable during the wait.
- For delays exceeding 4 hours, airlines must provide proper meals to passengers to accommodate their needs during extended delays.
This initiative by the DGCA aims to ensure that passengers are not left without basic necessities during long delays, a situation that has often caused frustration among travelers. The Union Civil Aviation Ministry shared this update on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, detailing the new measures that will take effect soon.
Additionally, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has also tackled another common issue for delayed flights: the restriction on deboarding. In the past, passengers were often not allowed to leave the plane during long delays, even if the aircraft was stationary at the gate for hours. With the new regulations, passengers will now have the option to deboard the aircraft during significant delays, further improving the overall travel experience.
These new provisions are designed to prioritize passenger comfort and convenience, offering a more compassionate and practical approach to managing delays. With the implementation of these measures, the DGCA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation hope to improve the overall flying experience for passengers, especially during disruptions caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
