Flat Tyre Grounds Amreli–Surat Flight as Consumer Panel Holds Airline Liable for ₹69,000

An aircraft’s flat tyre, delayed cancellation communication and the absence of an operational backup aircraft have brought Ventura Air Connect under scrutiny after the Gujarat State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission upheld compensation in favour of a passenger affected by a flight cancellation in 2023. The commission rejected the airline’s force majeure defence, observing that inadequate fleet planning had contributed to the disruption. The airline has been directed to uphold the original compensation order and pay an additional ₹10,000.

The dispute dates back to October 2, 2023, when passenger Kamlesh Jani booked two tickets on Ventura Air Connect’s flight VA-702, scheduled to operate from Amreli to Surat.

Jani travelled from his hometown of Khambha to Amreli airport by taxi, expecting to board the scheduled service. However, upon reaching the airport, he discovered that the flight had been cancelled.

The airline’s cancellation email reportedly arrived only after the scheduled departure time, leaving the passenger without timely information about the disruption.

This story was originally published by CargoTalk. Read the full story at CargoTalk →