Unbelievable! Air India denied boarding to as many as 13,175 passengers
The minister also said that a DGCA rule makes it mandatory for the airlines to compensate the passenger if passengers have been denied boarding against their will.
Aviation in India is on a high, but many times passengers come face to face with unpleasant situations. Among the worst is being denied boarding. Now, it has emerged the Maharaja has deboarded a huge number of its clients. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha today said that as many as 13,175 cases of boarding being denied by Air India have been reported. This is for the year 2015.
The minister's statement came in response to a question whether Air India had denied boarding to passengers due to overbooking in the year 2015.
The minister also said that a DGCA rule makes it mandatory for the airlines to compensate the passenger if passengers have been denied boarding against their will.
"If the boarding is denied to passengers against their will, the airline shall not be liable for any compensation in case an alternate flight is arranged that is scheduled to depart within one hour of the original scheduled departure time of the initial reservation. Failing to do so, the airline shall compensate the passengers," he said.
The minister also informed that the compensation to a flier varies on the facility provided to him/her post de-boarding.
Below are the three situations and compensation to the flier in case of deboarding:
1. An amount equal to 200% of booked one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, subject to a maximum of Rs 10,000, in case airline arranges an alternate flight that is scheduled to depart within the 24 hours of the booked scheduled departure.
2. An amount equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000, in case airline arranges an alternate flight that is scheduled to depart more than 24 hours of the booked scheduled departure.
3. In case passenger does not opt for alternate flight, refund of the full value of ticket and compensation equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare plus airline fuel charge, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000.
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.