Air travellers in the country may soon have the relief of being able to approach an ombudsman for settlement of their disputes with airlines.

• Since early 2008, air operators have been trying to scuttle the government's plan to appoint an ombudsman for the sector.
• However, the government has now firmed up plans to put in place several aviation ombudsmen across the country.
• The first aviation ombudsman is expected to be appointed for Delhi. Aviation ombudsmen will also be deputed at other metros and in states.
• An ombudsman is an authority who will look into complaints and act as an arbitrator to settle disputes between consumers and airlines.
• Currently, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation looks into grievances of fliers. But it has largely failed to address the concerns of the fliers satisfactorily.