Air India fined Rs 10 lakh for denying boarding to passengers with valid tickets

Also read: DGCA Warns Airlines Against Offering Passengers Unserviceable Seats 

DGCA also mentioned that Air India may not have a policy in this regard and does not pay compensation to the passengers.

"To say the least, it is a matter of serious concern and is unacceptable. In the specific cases detailed in the show cause notice, after going through Air India submissions, as part of enforcement action, the competent authority has levied a penalty of Rs 10 lakh," it noted.

According to DGCA guidelines, passengers have the right to alternate flights. The regulator has now advised Air India to immediately put systems in place to resolve the issue and warned of further action in case of failure to implement the order.

As per DGCA rules, if a flyer with a ticket is denied boarding, the airline must provide an alternate arrangement or compensation. If the flyer gets another flight within an hour, no compensation is to be paid. But if the airline provides the flight within 24 hours, compensation up to Rs 10,000 becomes payable. For anything beyond 24 hours, compensation of up to Rs 20,000 is to be paid by the airline.

With inputs from PTI