CCPA directs Yatra to expedite refunds of flight cancellation during Covid

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has ordered online travel agency Yatra to speed up pending refunds for flight cancellations during the COVID-19 lockdown, the consumer affairs ministry said on Tuesday.

In its June 27 order, the CCPA directed Yatra to establish five dedicated seats at the National Consumer Helpline to contact remaining passengers about their pending refunds. The company will bear the costs of this arrangement.

This action follows a 2020 Supreme Court ruling mandating immediate refunds for tickets booked during the lockdown period.

The CCPA initiated suo-moto action against Yatra following numerous grievances lodged through the National Consumer Helpline regarding non-refund of cancelled air tickets.

From July 2021 to June 2024, CCPA conducted several hearings to address these issues.

"As a result of these efforts, Yatra has made significant progress in reducing the total number of pending refund bookings," the ministry said in a statement.

Yatra ha