Airlines to compensate passengers for delays, cancellations: Patel

New Delhi, Apr 18 (UNI) Outraged passengers grounded for hours due to delays and cancellations of flights at airports across the country can now expect some relief.

The government will soon draft new guidelines to deal with a whole lot of passenger issues which many airlines -- especially the low-cost, no-frills ones -- are ignoring frequently.

''We're going to take very strict action against those airlines which are callous towards passengers,'' said civil aviation minister Praful Patel. ''I'm completely disgusted with such reports.'' Within a month, he said, the guidelines will be in place.

Airlines will be made more accountable. Also, airlines will have to compensate passengers if they are delayed for several hours for no fault of their own.

The minister said he is examining legal issues involved.

''Unusual circumstances are different but I'll ensure that air passengers are properly treated by airlines.'' In recent weeks and month, travellers at major airports have expressed frustration -- in some cases even smashed airline counters -- due to sudden cancellations or unexplained delays of flights.

UNI