Winter fog is a regular cause of late flights in north India, and many passengers do not know what they are owed. The flight delay fog rules India follows come from the DGCA’s passenger rules, and they treat weather differently from airline faults. This guide explains what you can claim, what you cannot and how to push back politely.
Quick answer
- A delay alone brings no fixed cash compensation.
- Domestic flights delayed over 6 hours: an alternate flight within 6 hours or a full refund.
- Cancelled flight: an alternate flight or a full refund, whatever the cause.
- Cash compensation is generally not owed when weather caused the problem.
- Complain to the airline first, then on the AirSewa portal.
A note on sources. The summary below follows Wego’s guide to DGCA passenger rights, which cites the DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirement, Section 3, Series M, Part IV. Rules get revised, so check the current text on the DGCA website before you file a claim.
What you can claim when fog delays your flight
Delay alone does not earn cash compensation. However, you may be owed meals and refreshments at 2, 3 and 4 hour delays, scaled to the flight’s block time. These usually need you to have checked in on time.
On domestic flights delayed by more than 6 hours, the airline should offer an alternate flight within 6 hours or a full refund. Also, if your flight was scheduled between 8 pm and 3 am and runs more than 6 hours late, or any flight is delayed beyond 24 hours, you may get hotel accommodation with transfers when necessary.
What changes when the cause is weather
Fog counts as an extraordinary circumstance. So cash compensation is generally not owed when weather, air traffic control or security causes the disruption. The rules also let airlines withhold meals and hotel stays when the cause could not reasonably be avoided.
The 6 hour domestic clause is not expressly covered by that exemption, according to the Wego summary. So ask the airline to apply it, and escalate if it refuses. Meanwhile, a cancelled flight still entitles you to a refund or alternate travel.
If your flight is cancelled
The compensation depends on how much notice you got. With at least 24 hours of notice, you are owed an alternate flight or a refund. With less notice, you get an acceptable alternate flight or a full refund, plus compensation unless the cause was extraordinary. The amount is whichever is lower of the figure below or the one way basic fare plus fuel charge.
| Block time | Compensation cap |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | ₹5,000 |
| Over 1 hour, up to 2 hours | ₹7,500 |
| Over 2 hours | ₹10,000 |
Refund timelines
Refunds fall under Series M, Part II, Revision 3, effective 26 March 2026, as per the same summary. Eligible direct bookings get a 48 hour look in period. Refunds through an agent or portal must be completed within 14 working days.
How to complain, step by step
- Write to the airline and ask for a reference number.
- If it is unresolved, use the airline’s Nodal Officer or Appellate Authority.
- Then file a complaint on the AirSewa portal.
- You can also approach a statutory forum or a court.
Keep your booking confirmation, boarding pass, delay messages and receipts. For example, a screenshot of the delay alert can settle an argument about timing. Our guide to smart travel tools in India lists apps that help you track such alerts.
Mistakes that cost passengers
The first is arriving late to the counter and losing meal eligibility. The second is accepting a voucher when you wanted a refund. Also, many travellers forget to check whether a delay has crossed the 6 hour line, which is when your options change.
If you are heading to the new airport, see how the Navi Mumbai airport transport options work. In short, know your rights before you reach the gate, and stay polite but firm.
FAQ
Can I get compensation for a fog delay in India?
Usually not. Cash compensation is generally not owed when weather or air traffic control causes the disruption. You may still be entitled to meals, a refund or an alternate flight.
What if my flight is delayed by more than 6 hours?
For domestic flights, the airline should offer an alternate flight within 6 hours or a full refund. Ask for this in writing and escalate if it refuses.
Where do I complain about an airline?
Start with the airline and get a reference number. If it is not resolved, file a complaint on the AirSewa portal.