A passenger traveling from Dubai to Mumbai, who endured a 14-hour flight delay with only a burger and fries, has been awarded compensation, reports PTI.
A Mumbai consumer court has ordered SpiceJet, an Indian airline, to compensate him with Rs55,000 (around Dh2,300, equivalent to the cost of two adult return tickets on this route).
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Mumbai Suburban), led by Pradeep Kadu and member Gauri M. Kapse, emphasized that airlines cannot justify delays as routine occurrences. “The airline is responsible for the welfare of its passengers until the flight is ready to proceed,” the ruling highlighted.
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The passenger had booked a flight from Dubai to Mumbai on July 27, 2024, and claimed that SpiceJet neglected the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) set by India’s aviation authority, which demand more comprehensive support than what was provided.
The panel asserted that during extended delays, airlines must offer sufficient meals, drinking water, rest facilities, and timely information. In this instance, “there’s no denying that passengers received only a burger and fries for the entire delay exceeding 14 hours,” it noted.
The commission concluded that the provisions were “inadequate,” deeming the airline’s service deficient.
