A passenger has been awarded Rs 1.06 lakh in compensation over a flight cancellation during the COVID era. The order, reported on October 9, holds the airline accountable for the cancelled booking.

Mass cancellations during the pandemic left thousands of travellers fighting for refunds, with many cases dragging on for years. Consumer forums have repeatedly ruled that airlines must compensate passengers for cancelled flights, even during extraordinary circumstances, when proper alternatives or refunds were not offered.

The award covers the passenger’s losses from the cancelled trip. Such rulings remind airlines that pandemic-era disruptions do not erase consumer rights.

Airlines often cited force majeure during COVID to deny claims. Courts and consumer forums have pushed back, saying passengers still deserve fair treatment.

Travellers with old unresolved refund claims may still approach consumer forums for relief. Keeping booking records and cancellation notices strengthens a case.

Consumer forums have in past orders said extraordinary circumstances do not remove the duty to offer refunds or alternatives. The forum considered the passenger’s booking records and the airline’s failure to offer options. Legal experts say the order strengthens flyers’ rights. Passengers should keep all travel documents when filing claims.