Flight Disruptions

Flight disruption or IROP (Irregular Operations) is the term used when flights do not depart on their Scheduled Time of Departure (STD) or when flights are cancelled. Hence, there are two scenarios in IROP, flight delays and flight cancellations.

Flight Delays

A flight is said to be delayed if it does not depart as per its STD. The delay in departure is calculated from its STD.

Flight Delay Reasons

Flights can be delayed due to many reasons like bad weather, air traffic congestion, airport congestion, delay in ground handling activities, aircraft servicing, aircraft technical snag, late arrival of aircraft from previous sector, for security reasons and for off-loading of passengers.

Flight Delay Compensation

Flight delay compensation (mostly cash compensation) is given when flights are delayed for a long time. For flight delays of less than 2 hour from STD, there is generally no compensation given. In some countries, for delays of more than 2 hours and up to 3 hours, food and beverages are provided and no compensation is given.

Flight Delay Compensation Criteria

Flight delay compensation given depends on the extent of the flight delay-2 hour or more, 3 hours or more, 5 hours or more and so on.

Flight delay compensation also depends on the distance to the destination or flying distance or block time–up to 1500 km, between 1500 and 3500 km, more than 3500 km and so on.

In most countries and with most airlines, for a delay of 5 hours or more, irrespective of the flight distance or block time, the airline must give full refund of the passenger ticket as well as the applicable compensation.

Compensation Exception

Compensation is not given by the airline if the flight delay is due to reasons beyond their control or due to extraordinary circumstances. Such delays can be due to bad weather, ATC restrictions, bird hit, accident, or incident at airport, political or civil unrest and airport union strike.

Known Flight Delay

If a flight delay is known in advance, airlines make efforts to communicate passengers about the same. Hence passenger contact numbers must be updated in the reservation. The airline will also provide alternate flights if the delay is substantial or if passenger requests for a change of flight. Passengers can opt for a previous flight if it suits them and not necessarily a later flight.

Transit Flight Delays

Flight delay compensation is given to transit passengers also. If the first flight is delayed leading to onward flight misconnection, then the airline must provide an alternate flight and compensation to the passenger. If the passenger wishes to go back, then the airline must also provide a flight back. In case of an onward flight delay, transit passengers are entitled to the normal delay compensation.

Flight Cancellations

There can be two scenarios of flight cancellations-cancelled well in advance or cancelled closer to STD.

Flight Cancellation in advance

If a flight is cancelled in advance, the airline will contact passengers and provide alternative flight or full refund. Sometimes, passenger number is not updated but a travel agent or travel desk landline number is given. Passengers must check and ensure their own contact number is updated in the reservation.

Flight Cancellation at airport

For a flight cancellation announced at the airport before STD, the airline will provide an alternate flight at the earliest or a full refund is given. If the alternate flight provided is after some time, then the airline must arrange for food and beverages. If the alternate flight is next day, then the airline must provide meals, hotel accommodation and transport to the hotel.

Transit Flight Cancellation

For transit passengers, if the first flight is cancelled, they are entitled to full refund of all their flights or can choose to travel on alternate flights on all the sectors. If the onward flight is cancelled, then again full refund for all flights or alternate flights will be provided by the airline. In case passenger has travelled the first sector and wishes to go back, then airline must refund both flight fares and provide a flight to go back to the origin airport.

Alternate flight to different airport

In case the alternate flight lands at a different airport, then passengers are entitled for transport to the original arrival airport or to their residence.

Baggage transfer to alternate flight

When taking an alternate flight due to flight disruption, it is important that passengers confirm that their check-in bags are re-tagged and transferred to the new flight. Passengers must collect their new baggage claim tags before boarding the alternate flight.

Flight Disruption Rules

Clear flight disruption rules and regulations are in place to protect passenger interests. All airlines are governed by international regulations as well as national Civil Aviation Regulations. All flight disruption services like food, beverages, alternative flights, hotel accommodation, refund and compensation are in accordance with these regulations.

And to end this blog

Flights do get delayed or cancelled due to various reasons. Most airlines will assist passengers with alternatives and reduce inconvenience. Passengers must factor in this aspect when flying. Passengers must be aware of alternatives and eligible compensation during flight disruption. Always verify and understand the options and alternatives with the airline. The keyword during flight disruptions is passenger convenience.