Go Straight to the Source: Airline Websites and Apps
The most reliable and immediate source of information is always the airline you are flying with. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have dedicated sections on their websites and mobile apps for checking flight status. Typically, you will need your PNR
(Passenger Name Record) or booking reference number, along with your travel date, to get real-time updates. These platforms will show whether your flight is on time, delayed, or cancelled, and often provide gate numbers and baggage belt information upon arrival. Signing up for SMS and email alerts from the airline during booking is a proactive step that ensures you receive any changes directly to your phone.
Consult the Airport Authority
Major airport websites in India, such as those for Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, feature live flight information boards for all arrivals and departures. This is a great secondary source to confirm the information provided by the airline. You can usually search by flight number or destination to see the status of your flight. This method is particularly useful if you are trying to track a flight for someone you are picking up or if you want a broader view of all flights at a specific airport.
Leverage Third-Party Flight Trackers
Several powerful apps and websites specialize in tracking flights globally and are very popular in India. Services like Flightradar24, FlightAware, and Ixigo offer comprehensive, real-time tracking, often presented on a live map. These platforms can provide granular details, including the aircraft's current location, speed, altitude, and estimated time of arrival. Some apps like Flighty even claim to provide delay alerts faster than the airlines themselves by analysing aviation data. They are excellent tools for tech-savvy travellers who want the most detailed information possible at their fingertips.
Use Your PNR on Travel Aggregator Sites
If you booked your ticket through an online travel agent (OTA) like MakeMyTrip or Ixigo, their platforms also offer flight status tracking. Much like the airline websites, you can enter your PNR to pull up your itinerary and see the latest updates. This centralises your travel information, which can be convenient if your trip involves multiple bookings across different airlines. These services often provide their own alerts and updates, adding another layer of communication.
What to Do When Your Flight is Disrupted
If you discover your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, it is crucial to know your rights. In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rules in place to protect passengers. If an airline cancels a flight with less than two weeks' notice, you are generally entitled to a full refund or re-accommodation on an alternative flight. For last-minute cancellations, you may also be eligible for compensation ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the flight's block time. During long delays at the airport, airlines are required to provide meals and refreshments. For overnight delays, they must provide hotel accommodation. It's important to note that these compensation rules may not apply to disruptions caused by factors beyond the airline's control, such as bad weather or air traffic control restrictions, though you are still entitled to a refund or rebooking. If you face issues, you can file a grievance on the government's AirSewa portal.
