Chandigarh commission upholds Rs 1.88 lakh payout to man after flight denial
Emirates Airlines and Yatra Online must pay compensation after passengers were not informed of Dubai flight disruptions in advance.
The Chandigarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has upheld an order holding Emirates Airlines and travel portal Yatra Online liable for denying boarding to a man and his wife. According to a report by The Times of India, the commission found the companies failed to inform the passengers of flight disruptions in advance or offer alternative arrangements.
The dispute arose after Raghav Jain, a Chandigarh resident, booked travel from New Delhi to Milan via Dubai for himself and his wife on April 19, 2024. Jain alleged that they were denied boarding at Delhi airport due to floods and adverse weather in Dubai. He claimed he had to purchase last-minute tickets on Saudia Airlines for Rs 2,13,103.87 and lost Rs 23,600 in prepaid accommodation.
Emirates Airlines argued that unprecedented floods and storms in Dubai between April 14 and 19, 2024, caused the disruptions. The airline maintained that public notices were issued via social media and its website, and that individually informing every passenger was not feasible. The airline stated the restrictions were for passenger safety.
The commission, led by President Justice Raj Shekhar Attri and member Preetinder Singh, noted that while weather explains disruptions, it does not absolve the airline of its responsibility. The bench observed that the couple was only informed on April 19, the day of travel, despite the weather conditions starting earlier.
The commission upheld the direction for the companies to pay Rs 1,88,521.87 for additional expenditure on alternative tickets, plus 9 per cent annual interest. They must also pay Rs 10,000 for mental agony and litigation costs. Failure to comply within 45 days of receiving the certified copy will attract 12 per cent annual penal interest.