Govt proposes steep hike in compensation for flight delays to passengers

Airlines say most delays are due to infrastructure constraints and proposed steps will increase their financial burden

With the general elections due in less than a year, the government on Tuesday proposed passenger-friendly measures for increasing compensation for delayed flights, capping cancellation fees, and providing easier check-in processes.

It has also proposed monetary benefits to passengers for missing a connecting flight.

Airlines have opposed the changes and airline executives have said the government needs to address infrastructure constraints before holding airlines responsible for delays and cancellations.

Announcing the passenger charter and DigiYatra initiatives, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the measures would contribute to hassle-free travel for passengers. The government has asked airlines to earmark seats for