By Sameep Singh Gumtala, Published on January 21st, 2025 in News
Winter weather can strike anytime, anywhere—whether it’s in the U.S., Amritsar, or Delhi. Recently, I witnessed firsthand the impact of snowstorms on air travel in the U.S. Hundreds of flights were canceled, passengers were stranded, and long lines stretched across LaGuardia Airport in New York as people tried to rebook their journeys.
But one thing stood out: not a single passenger shouted, demanded food, or argued about why their flight wasn’t taking off. In the U.S., airlines offer no compensation for weather-related delays or cancellations. Even in cases of mechanical issues, refreshment or hotel accommodations are rare—and yet, passengers patiently waited their turn without complaints.
Compare this to India, where we often see passengers at airports like Amritsar arguing, demanding food or hotels, or blaming airlines for situations beyond anyone’s control. While asking for accommodations is understandable, blaming Amritsar Airport or its staff in such situations isn’t the right approach. Disruptions like these are often unavoidable, and patience can make a challenging experience smoother for everyone.
Here are a few tips to better manage travel disruptions:
1️⃣ Always check your country’s air travel policies, especially regarding compensation.
2️⃣ Keep some extra money in your travel budget for emergencies like hotel stays or alternate arrangements.
3️⃣ Prepare a backup plan for parents or family members traveling with connecting flights, especially abroad.
For example, many passengers flying from Australia to Amritsar via Malaysian Airlines (Malaysia Airline, Air Asia, Batik Air), Singapore Airlines Scoot, sometimes get stuck at transit airports in Malaysia or Singapore due to delays or cancellations. Being prepared makes all the difference.
So, I prepared myself in advance by looking for hotel options or arranging to stay with a relative nearby. A little planning can go a long way in reducing stress during such situations.
We fully understand how frustrating travel disruptions are, but let’s approach them with patience and preparedness. Let’s also avoid unfairly criticizing Amritsar or any other airport for things beyond their control.
Let’s learn from these experiences and help make travel smoother for everyone. Safe travels to all!
Have you faced similar travel disruptions? Share your experiences and tips in the comments!
About the author:
Sameep Singh Gumtala is Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, a global advocacy group dedicated to promoting and enhancing connectivity at Amritsar Airport. The Initiative has been advocating for increased flight services to Amritsar, recognizing the city’s importance as a cultural and commercial hub.
