(ECNS) -- Air passengers will be responsible for their own expenses for food and accommodation if they are subject to flight delays or cancellations that are not the airliner's fault, according to a new rule issued by the Ministry of Transport.
The new rule says an operating air carrier shall not be obliged to pay for the passenger's food and accommodation costs if the flight disruption is caused by weather, emergency, air traffic control, security check, passenger or other extraordinary circumstances.
The rule that will take effect on January 1 also says airlines should help arrange food and accommodation for passengers, but not be obliged to pay the check.
The cost shall be borne by the carriers in case of flight disruptions arising from faults by the airline. Airlines will be fined 40,000-60,000 yuan ($6,000-9,000) for failing to fulfill their responsibilities.
The rule also defines a delayed flight as departing from an airport or arriving at the destination 15 minutes later than scheduled.
China's domestic airlines should make the compensation policy for flight delays or cancelations clear to passengers at the time of ticket purchase, according to the rule.
China has seen a boom in air travel, but its airports are plagued with delays, which can sometimes lead to scenes of travelers smashing up check-in desks or brawling with staff to vent their frustration.
