DGCA asks foreign airlines to waive cancellation fees

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked international airlines to consider waiving cancellation fees to provide relief to passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19).

The aviation regulator issued the advisory on Friday as customers have been forced to cancel travel plans because of government orders but have been unable to claim full refund from airlines because of fare rules. Globally, airlines are offering customers free change in date or destination but refund is being paid based on fare rules. Airlines deduct a cancellation fee based on the fare type and this has led to complaints against carriers on social media.

“Flights are being curtailed, cancelled and disrupted almost on a daily basis. Resultantly, passengers are also facing the brunt. In the current scenario, it would be appropriate if airlines support their passengers in this tough time by waiving cancellation/reschedule charges or by providing any other incentive,” Deputy Director General Sunil Kumar said in a circular to foreign airlines operating to India. Indian airlines have been advised separately to give relief, an official said.

Lufthansa and Swiss, which have suspended their flights to India from March 14 to 16, have extended their waiver policy. The airlines said customers can now also keep their ticket valid without a new flight reservation and use it at a later time. The revised travel may be completed as late as December 31.