Delhi to Raipur Flight: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine of ₹60,000 on IndiGo Airlines for failing to provide timely information regarding a flight rescheduling and a change in terminal. The Commission deemed this an instance of deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. It noted that despite arriving at the airport ahead of schedule, the passenger missed the flight, resulting in financial loss and mental distress. The Commission has directed the airline to pay the compensation within 45 days; failure to make the payment within the stipulated time will attract interest.
Regarding the case, Raipur-based advocate Amitesh Pathak stated that he was returning to Raipur from Delhi with his family on March 31, 2015, following a trip to Dehradun. He had booked the IndiGo flight ticket through the Navkar Communication Agency. According to the schedule, the flight was supposed to depart from Terminal 3 in Delhi. Prior to the journey, he received a mobile notification regarding the change in flight time but was not informed about the change in terminal. Upon arriving at the airport on time, he discovered that the flight was departing from Terminal 1 instead of Terminal 3. Due to the significant distance between the two terminals, he could not reach the correct terminal in time and missed the flight.
After missing the flight, Amitesh Pathak and his family had to spend the entire night in the airport lounge. The following day, they had to purchase new tickets at an additional cost of ₹21,135 to return to Raipur from Delhi. Upon his return to Raipur, Pathak filed a complaint with the District Consumer Commission. No responsible official from the airline appeared during the hearings. The Commission concluded that this was a clear case of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
Order to Pay Within 45 Days
The Commission has ordered IndiGo Airlines to pay ₹50,000 within 45 days. Additionally, the airline must pay ₹10,000 to cover mental harassment and litigation expenses. If the amount is not paid within the stipulated time, interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum will also have to be paid.
