Flynas Airlines to Pay Rs 1.25 Lakh for Lost Baggage After Consumer Panel Ruling
A Mumbai consumer commission has directed Flynas Airlines to pay Rs 1.25 lakh in compensation to a passenger for lost baggage. The commission heavily criticized the airline for "mala fide negligence" and its persistent failure to trace the missing bag despite repeated complaints from the passenger. This ruling underscores consumer rights and airline accountability for service deficiencies in India.
Unpacked:
The commission found that Flynas Airlines made no genuine effort to locate the passenger’s lost baggage and failed to respond effectively to repeated complaints, which was interpreted as intentional disregard for its responsibilities rather than an honest mistake.
Compensation orders against airlines for service deficiencies, such as lost baggage or delays, have become more frequent in India as consumer commissions emphasize passenger rights. For example, Air India was recently ordered to pay compensation for a 24-hour delay, reflecting growing accountability in the aviation sector.
Indian passengers can file complaints with district or state consumer commissions if airlines fail to resolve lost or mishandled baggage issues. These commissions can award compensation for loss, inconvenience, and mental agony, as seen in the Flynas and Air India cases.
This ruling reinforces airlines’ accountability and sets a precedent, likely prompting carriers to improve baggage handling and complaint redressal procedures to avoid similar penalties. It also strengthens consumer confidence in seeking legal action for service lapses.