Airlines must share passenger rights link via SMS, WhatsApp: DGCA

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday instructed all airlines to ensure passengers are well-informed about their rights and passenger-centric regulations.
As per the directive, airlines must share the online link to the Passenger Charter available on the ministry of civil aviation website via SMS or WhatsApp once a ticket is booked. Additionally, airlines must prominently display this information on tickets and their websites to ensure passengers are aware of their entitlements.
The DGCA directive comes amid uproar over airline mismanagement and recent incidents reported by David Warner, Harsha Bhogle and many others.
The DGCA’s directive comes amid growing concerns over airline mismanagement, following recent incidents reported by Australian cricketer David Warner, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, and several other passengers.
Warner, who was flying with Air India, faced an unusual delay in New Delhi on Saturday. Passengers, including the cricketer, were boarded onto an aircraft that had no pilots, leading to hours of waiting.
"We've boarded a plane with no pilots and waiting on the plane for hours. Why would you board passengers knowing that you have no pilots for the flight?" Warner expressed his frustration on social media platform X.

Responding to the backlash, Air India clarified the situation, stating: "The crew operating your flight was held up on an earlier assignment affected by these disruptions, which led to a delay in departure. We appreciate your patience and thank you for choosing to fly with us."

Meanwhile, Harsha Bhogle also took to X to criticise IndiGo over poor service.
"One day I am going to invite people from @IndiGo6E home for dinner and ask them to wait outside the door till the table is laid and the food is cooked. #Rude. Always #IndigoFirstPassengerLast," Bhogle posted, hinting at prolonged delays and lack of communication from the airline.

This isn’t the first time Bhogle has raised concerns about IndiGo’s service. Over the years, he has frequently pointed out flight delays, unresponsive staff, and poor management, resonating with many passengers facing similar issues.