Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Air India flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that covers the rights of air passengers. In particular, this regulation covers different situations, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens because of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences is entitled to obtain compensation. Moreover, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
European Union Regulation 261 includes rules regarding the process of compensation, including assistance to people experiencing flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, according to your specific case.
Air India Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the duration of the delay:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Air India Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must provide a passenger with beverages, some food, and accommodation. See essential details on compensation in the table below:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care refers to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out regulations on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 obliges airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Food and drinks appropriate for the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
When a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is important to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay extra for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to receive reimbursement. In this case, you should be aware that the amount of compensation is determined by the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Keep in mind that these rights cover all flights within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are beyond the airline’s control. A few examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
Furthermore, if the airline potentially could have done something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from EU airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air India isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Air India Compensation
Flight cancellation or delay is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight delay or cancellation should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will strive to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08.01.202600:15 | Air India 7554 | (ADD) (DAR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202623:40 | Air India 7552 | (ADD) (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202623:35 | Air India 7546 | (ADD) (NBO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202623:30 | Air India 7590 | (ADD) (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202623:20 | Air India 9111 | (IXE) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202622:55 | Air India 8165 | (HND) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202622:45 | Air India 7583 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202622:00 | Air India 7973 | (ADD) (HRE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:10 | Air India 9801 | (PNQ) (BBI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:50 | Air India 9157 | (BOM) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:05 | Air India 9444 | (BLR) (BBI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:45 | Air India 7577 | (MBA) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:45 | Air India 7556 | (DAR) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:45 | Air India 9135 | (LKO) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:30 | Air India 7549 | (NBO) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:25 | Air India 9884 | (DEL) (BBI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:00 | Air India 9120 | (DXB) (IXE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:30 | Air India 2205 | (DEL) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:50 | Air India 2217 | (BOM) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:45 | Air India 7570 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:35 | Air India 7574 | (ADD) (JNB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:30 | Air India 7598 | (ADD) (MBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:05 | Air India 7561 | (ADD) (DAR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Air India 1753 | (DEL) (CJB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:40 | Air India 8252 | (SIN) (SAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:30 | Air India 7580 | (JNB) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:20 | Air India 8005 | (HND) (KIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:20 | Air India 2376 | (DEL) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:10 | Air India 918 | (DXB) (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:40 | Air India 7231 | (SYD) (HTI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:10 | Air India 7571 | (EBB) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:35 | Air India 8506 | (FRA) (ARN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:20 | Air India 9228 | (SIN) (TRZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:10 | Air India 7559 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:00 | Air India 8667 | (BRU) (FRA) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:25 | Air India 8188 | (SIN) (KUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202608:20 | Air India 8144 | (SIN) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:55 | Air India 9848 | (BLR) (TRZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:40 | Air India 8284 | (SIN) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:35 | Air India 9406 | (BLR) (BBI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:20 | Air India 8894 | (FRA) (BRU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:10 | Air India 1769 | (DEL) (TRV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202607:00 | Air India 8209 | (MEL) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202606:30 | Air India 8846 | (DUS) (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202606:15 | Air India 8509 | (ARN) (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202602:50 | Air India 7691 | (BOM) (CAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202601:00 | Air India 2105 | (BOM) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202623:20 | Air India 8179 | (KIX) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202622:20 | Air India 9133 | (BLR) (KWI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202621:40 | Air India 8149 | (DPS) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:40 | Air India 9206 | (DOH) (TRV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:25 | Air India 9663 | (BLR) (IXE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:20 | Air India 8287 | (CGK) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:55 | Air India 9489 | (IXC) (BLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202619:10 | Air India 8184 | (SIN) (KNO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:50 | Air India 7560 | (EBB) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:45 | Air India 1742 | (DEL) (IXC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:45 | Air India 9644 | (IXB) (CCU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:40 | Air India 1702 | (DEL) (VTZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:40 | Air India 8288 | (SIN) (CGK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202618:10 | Air India 9983 | (IXA) (IXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:50 | Air India 8150 | (SIN) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:40 | Air India 8517 | (BER) (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:10 | Air India 9656 | (DEL) (IXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202617:00 | Air India 8285 | (CGK) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:45 | Air India 6312 | (YVR) (YYC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:45 | Air India 1815 | (GAY) (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:35 | Air India 7777 | (WAW) (BRU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:25 | Air India 9488 | (BLR) (IXC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:20 | Air India 8148 | (SIN) (DPS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202616:15 | Air India 9922 | (DEL) (IXE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:45 | Air India 7570 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:00 | Air India 1709 | (DEL) (BHJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:00 | Air India 6303 | (LHR) (YYC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:35 | Air India 1731 | (DEL) (GAY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202614:20 | Air India 9870 | (IXB) (DIB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:20 | Air India 2362 | (DEL) (MNL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:50 | Air India 8860 | (FRA) (DRS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:40 | Air India 7231 | (SYD) (HTI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202611:10 | Air India 7969 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:45 | Air India 8869 | (FRA) (BER) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202610:25 | Air India 8017 | (HND) (HIJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202609:10 | Air India 7559 | (ADD) (EBB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202608:40 | Air India 8250 | (SIN) (SAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:35 | Air India 7703 | (ZRH) (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:30 | Air India 8014 | (CTS) (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202607:00 | Air India 8012 | (FUK) (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:40 | Air India 2733 | (CJB) (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:35 | Air India 8842 | (FRA) (NUE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:15 | Air India 8016 | (OKA) (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:05 | Air India 132 | (LHR) (BLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:05 | Air India 2018 | (LHR) (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202621:05 | Air India 7274 | (MEL) (SYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202620:30 | Air India 2377 | (HKT) (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202620:15 | Air India 8147 | (DPS) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:15 | Air India 9087 | (CNN) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202619:05 | Air India 2732 | (BOM) (CJB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:55 | Air India 2283 | (DEL) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:40 | Air India 9089 | (COK) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:20 | Air India 7760 | (LHR) (WAW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
