Flight cancel ho gayi, delay 4+ ghante hua, boarding deny kiya gaya (overbooking), baggage lost/damaged hua, ya airline refund nahi de rahi — to aapke paas DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) mein complaint ka legal right hai.
**Common Airlines Issues:**
- Flight cancelled without proper notice
- Flight delayed more than 4 hours
- Denied boarding due to overbooking
- Baggage lost, damaged, or delayed
- Refund not processed after cancellation
- Hidden charges for seat selection, meals, baggage
- Incorrect fare charged
- Medical emergency assistance denied
**DGCA Passenger Rights (CAR 2026 Updated):**
- Flight cancel with < 24 hours notice: Full refund + compensation
- Delay > 2 hours: Meals & refreshments mandatory
- Delay > 4 hours: Alternate flight or full refund with compensation
- Denied boarding (overbooking): 200-400% of ticket price compensation
- Baggage loss: Up to ₹20,000 domestic (DGCA norms)
- Baggage damage: Compensation based on declared value
**Airline Customer Care (2026):**
- IndiGo: 0124-6173838 | customer.relations@goindigo.in
- Air India: 1800-180-1407 | writetoairindiagrievance@airindia.com
- SpiceJet: 0124-4983410 | custrelations@spicejet.com
- Vistara (merged with Air India): Use Air India contacts
- Akasa Air: care@akasaair.com
- Go First (Note: Operations suspended, refund claims pending)
**DGCA AirSewa Portal:**
- Portal: airsewa.gov.in
- App: AirSewa (Android/iOS)
- Helpline: 1800-114-000
## Real Problem Examples
Use this route for RC transfer delay, public utility complaint, ration card issue, water supply complaint, electricity billing error, document update delay, or local authority inaction. Government-service complaints need specific office details, application number, receipt, date of submission, and the exact pending action.
## Exact Complaint Strategy
Start by checking the official portal status and downloading receipts or application acknowledgments. Then contact the concerned office or helpdesk in writing. Mention the application number, date, office name, vehicle/document/service details, and pending stage. If an agent, dealer, buyer, seller, or local official is causing delay, keep separate written communication with that person also. Escalate through the department grievance portal, state public grievance system, or consumer forum route if there is service deficiency by a paid service provider.
## Documents and Proof
Keep application receipt, payment challan, ID/address proof, old and new document copies, SMS/email status, portal screenshots, office visit proof, written reminders, and any agent/dealer communication. For RC transfer, keep Form 29, Form 30, sale receipt, insurance, PUC, delivery note, and VAHAN payment/status screenshots.
## Timeline to Follow
Check official status first. If the application remains pending beyond the normal processing window, send a written reminder. Give a reasonable time for response, usually 7 to 15 working days depending on service. Escalate if there is no written update, repeated wrong objections, or financial/legal risk such as challans going to the old vehicle owner.
## Escalation Route
First: official portal/helpdesk or local office. Second: department grievance officer/state grievance portal. Third: higher transport/municipal/public service authority. Fourth: legal advice or consumer forum route where a paid service provider, dealer, or agent caused loss or deficiency.
## Sample Complaint Draft
Subject: Complaint regarding delay in {{service_name}} - application {{application_number}}
I submitted {{service_name}} application on {{date}} with reference number {{application_number}}. The current status is {{current_status}} and the pending issue is {{pending_reason}}. I have attached receipt, payment proof, ID/documents, and previous follow-up records. Please update the status, complete the pending action, or provide a written reason for delay.
## FAQs
Q: What if the portal status is not changing?
A: Take screenshots with date, contact the helpdesk/office, and ask for written status.
Q: Is a dealer responsible for RC transfer delay?
A: If the dealer agreed to handle transfer, keep receipt/chat proof and send a written reminder.
Q: Can I escalate to consumer forum?
A: For pure government processing, use department grievance first. For paid service deficiency by dealer/agent/service provider, consumer remedies may apply.