A passenger has been awarded Rs 1.06 lakh in compensation over a COVID-era flight cancellation, in a ruling that underlines traveller rights during the pandemic disruption. The case relates to a ticket cancelled during the COVID-19 period, when airlines grounded flights and passengers struggled to get refunds.

Consumer forums have repeatedly held that airlines must refund the full ticket amount when they cancel flights, and can award compensation for the trouble caused. During the pandemic, thousands of passengers faced cancelled bookings, with many offered credit shells instead of cash refunds. Courts and consumer bodies have since ruled in favour of passengers in several such disputes.

The award covers the refund and compensation for the inconvenience. The ruling adds to the growing body of decisions clarifying that pandemic-era cancellations do not free airlines from their refund obligations. Consumer experts advise passengers to keep booking records and cancellation notices when filing such claims.

The ruling is expected to encourage others with similar COVID-era disputes to approach consumer forums.