Parliament Question: Uniform rate of compensation for international and domestic passengers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 2579 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16th March 2026 UNIFORM RATE OF COMPENSATION FOR INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC PASSENGERS 2579. SHRI MUKUL BALKRISHNA WASNIK Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the rationale behind having different rates of compensation paid to the next of kin in the eventuality of causalities in air accidents for international and domestic passengers; (b) whether Government has any plans to introduce uniform rates of compensation for both international and domestic passengers; and (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (c): The compensation payable to next of kin in air accident casualties in international and domestic passengers arises from distinct legal regimes. The liability of carriers for international carriage is governed by treaty obligations under the Montreal Convention, 1999, incorporated as separate provisions in the Carriage by Air Act, 1972, which prescribes compensation determined by ICAO and binding on India as a contracting State. Whereas, the framework for the liability of carriers for domestic carriage is governed by the Carriage by Air Act, 1972 and the Civil Aviation Requirements issued by DGCA. Introducing uniform compensation rates involves considerations such as treaty obligations and airline insurance viability amongst others. ******