In a significant consumer-friendly order, the Delhi Consumer Commission has ordered Go Airlines to pay Rs 15,000 each to all the passengers of a flight which was cancelled due to a "technical snag".

The order was passed in connection with a compensation application filed by one passenger of the cancelled flight. Apart from awarding relief to the complainant, the commission decided to extend the benefit of its order to all other passengers of the flight as well.

"We hereby direct the airline to send cheques of Rs 15,000 to all the passengers who were to travel on that flight as compensation for mental agony, harassment, emotional suffering and physical discomfort," the commission's president Justice J D Kapoor said.

The commission observed that it was high time errant airlines be punished with deterrent action for their failure to curb delay or cancellation of flights caused by poor upkeep or poor management of their affairs.

"We want to dispel the impression or belief of the airlines' management that they are liable to compensate only those passengers who sue them," it said, observing the unjustifiable cancellation of the flight early this year had caused sufferings to a large number of consumers who were not identifiable conveniently.

Ordering Go Airlines to send the cheques to all the passengers within a month, the commission has asked it to furnish the particulars of the payments so as to avoid further action. The significant direction came in a complaint by Yogesh Kumar who was awarded a compensation of Rs 17,000 by a district forum. The airline had challenged the forum's decision in commission.