A significant debate regarding passenger rights took place in the Rajya Sabha this week. AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised a “Zero Hour” notice while speaking on the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill. He questioned the fairness of airline policies where passengers are charged heavily for small overages in baggage, yet receive little to no compensation when flights are delayed for several hours.
The discussion, which occurred between February 3 and 5, 2026, focused on the imbalance between what airlines demand and what they deliver. Chadha pointed out that while airlines have automated systems to bill passengers for seat selection and excess weight, there is no “Automatic Compensation Initiation” mechanism to pay flyers for their lost time.
What is the ‘Hourly Compensation’ Model?
Raghav Chadha proposed a new system to match the “Per Kilo” charge model used by airlines. His argument is simple: if “every extra kilo” costs money, then “every lost hour” should earn money for the passenger. He stated that time has financial value, and accountability cannot be one-sided.
Currently, airlines charge separately for almost all services. This includes excess baggage fees ranging from ₹600 to ₹650 per kg and seat selection fees between ₹150 and ₹2,500. The MP argued that just as these charges are mandatory, compensation for delays should be mandatory and automatic, rather than forcing passengers to fight for it.
Current DGCA Rules vs. Reality
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) updated the Civil Aviation Requirements in June 2025. While rules exist, many passengers feel they are not enforced strictly enough due to the “Extraordinary Circumstances” clause, which exempts airlines from paying during weather or ATC delays. Below is the current compensation structure versus the costs passengers pay:
- Delay of 3 to 5 hours: Passengers are entitled to ₹2,000 or alternate travel options.
- Delay of 5+ hours: Compensation is set at ₹4,000, or a full refund.
- Overnight Delay: Airlines must provide hotel accommodation and ₹5,000.
- Parking Charges: Chadha also highlighted high airport parking fees of ₹220–₹250 per hour in cities like Delhi.
The debate has sparked conversations on social media under the hashtag #AviationAccountability, with many demanding a stricter “Passenger Charter” that protects consumer time and money.
