Airlines must share passenger rights with you via SMS, WhatsApp
What's the story
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines operating in India to raise awareness about passenger rights.
As part of this initiative, airlines will have to send an online link of the "Passenger Charter," which outlines air travelers' rights as defined by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The link has to be shared with passengers via SMS/WhatsApp at the time of booking and displayed prominently on both the airline's website and printed tickets.
Compliance deadline
Deadline for compliance and report submission
Airlines have to submit a compliance report to the DGCA by March 27.
The directive is aimed at educating travelers about their rights, including any compensation for delayed flights, lost baggage, and access to wheelchair services.
The move comes after an elderly woman was denied a wheelchair by IndiGo at Delhi Airport.
The incident brought to light a widespread ignorance among travelers about their rights.
Transparency effort
Enhancing transparency in air travel
The DGCA's latest directive is aimed at increasing transparency in air travel.
By making passenger rights easily accessible, the authorities hope to reduce inconvenience and make airlines more accountable for their services.
"All airlines need to actively communicate passenger-centric regulations and rights," a DGCA official said.
The move comes after several complaints of mismanagement and serious service issues with David Warner and Harsha Bhogle.
Incident response
DGCA's directive follows incidents involving Warner and Bhogle
Warner, who was flying with Air India, was delayed in New Delhi when passengers were boarded onto an aircraft without pilots.
Responding to the backlash, Air India clarified the crew operating Warner's flight was held up on an earlier assignment disrupted by these delays.
Meanwhile, Bhogle slammed IndiGo over poor service and lack of communication on social media platform X.