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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11.11.202510:30 | Air India 8015 | Tokyo (HND) Okinawa (OKA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202510:25 | Air India 8017 | Tokyo (HND) Hiroshima (HIJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202509:05 | Air India 8158 | Singapore (SIN) Hanoi (HAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:40 | Air India 8250 | Singapore (SIN) Phnom Penh (SAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:35 | Air India 7167 | Melbourne (MEL) Cairns (CNS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:10 | Air India 7223 | Sydney (SYD) Cairns (CNS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202508:00 | Air India 8012 | Fukuoka (FUK) Tokyo (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202504:45 | Air India 2469 | New Delhi (DEL) Pune (PNQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:45 | Air India 7713 | New Delhi (DEL) Zurich (ZRH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:40 | Air India 161 | New Delhi (DEL) London (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:25 | Air India 308 | New Delhi (DEL) Melbourne (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:05 | Air India 9819 | Pune (PNQ) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:00 | Air India 2422 | Mumbai (BOM) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202501:00 | Air India 9484 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202500:50 | Air India 9725 | Goa (GOI) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202500:30 | Air India 1832 | Kolkata (CCU) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202500:15 | Air India 312 | New Delhi (DEL) Seoul (ICN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
11.11.202500:05 | Air India 996 | Dubai (DXB) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:50 | Air India 2609 | New Delhi (DEL) Pune (PNQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:50 | Air India 2776 | Hyderabad (HYD) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:40 | Air India 2361 | Manila (MNL) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:40 | Air India 6221 | Colombo (CMB) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:35 | Air India 9152 | Sharjah (SHJ) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:30 | Air India 2857 | Mumbai (BOM) Bangalore (BLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 2410 | Kolkata (CCU) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 2546 | Ahmedabad (AMD) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 2383 | Singapore (SIN) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 2439 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 2792 | Kochi (COK) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202523:00 | Air India 186 | Kolkata (CCU) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:40 | Air India 2246 | Jeddah (JED) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:30 | Air India 2840 | Bangalore (BLR) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:20 | Air India 212 | Kathmandu (KTM) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:20 | Air India 2284 | Doha (DOH) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:20 | Air India 2699 | Hyderabad (HYD) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:15 | Air India 174 | Kolkata (CCU) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:10 | Air India 2584 | Nagpur (NAG) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:10 | Air India 7175 | Melbourne (MEL) Hobart (HBA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:00 | Air India 2814 | Bangalore (BLR) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:00 | Air India 1804 | Pune (PNQ) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:00 | Air India 2710 | Kolkata (CCU) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202522:00 | Air India 2999 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:50 | Air India 2256 | Jeddah (JED) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:40 | Air India 2838 | Chennai (MAA) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:40 | Air India 2733 | Coimbatore (CJB) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:35 | Air India 1802 | Vishakhapatnam (VTZ) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:30 | Air India 2642 | Bangalore (BLR) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:30 | Air India 2433 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:30 | Air India 2506 | Goa (GOI) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:25 | Air India 2869 | Mumbai (BOM) Hyderabad (HYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:20 | Air India 238 | Dhaka (DAC) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:20 | Air India 8851 | Frankfurt (FRA) Dusseldorf (DUS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:15 | Air India 9537 | Bhubaneswar (BBI) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:15 | Air India 413 | Mumbai (BOM) Jaipur (JAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:10 | Air India 7197 | Melbourne (MEL) Gold Coast (OOL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:10 | Air India 436 | Chennai (MAA) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:10 | Air India 8016 | Okinawa (OKA) Tokyo (HND) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:00 | Air India 9234 | Muscat (MCT) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202521:00 | Air India 2981 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:55 | Air India 9453 | Bangalore (BLR) Kochi (COK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:40 | Air India 2827 | Mumbai (BOM) Chennai (MAA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:40 | Air India 916 | Dubai (DXB) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:35 | Air India 156 | Amsterdam (AMS) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:35 | Air India 2401 | Mumbai (BOM) Bangalore (BLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:35 | Air India 2876 | Hyderabad (HYD) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:35 | Air India 2482 | Kolkata (CCU) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:30 | Air India 2656 | Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:30 | Air India 2850 | Bangalore (BLR) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:30 | Air India 2957 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:25 | Air India 158 | Copenhagen (CPH) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:20 | Air India 2028 | Frankfurt (FRA) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:15 | Air India 142 | Paris (CDG) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202520:00 | Air India 2805 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:55 | Air India 2583 | Mumbai (BOM) Nagpur (NAG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:45 | Air India 2865 | Mumbai (BOM) Bangalore (BLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:45 | Air India 2784 | Chandigarh (IXC) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:40 | Air India 2108 | Singapore (SIN) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:30 | Air India 8009 | Tokyo (HND) Nagoya (NGO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:30 | Air India 2985 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202519:25 | Air India 9532 | Goa (GOI) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:55 | Air India 2218 | Dubai (DXB) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:50 | Air India 7565 | Addis Ababa (ADD) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:45 | Air India 9719 | Jaipur (JAI) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:15 | Air India 599 | Vijayawada (VGA) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202518:00 | Air India 2955 | New Delhi (DEL) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:50 | Air India 9054 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:50 | Air India 2660 | Chandigarh (IXC) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:45 | Air India 1859 | Bhuj (BHJ) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202517:30 | Air India 2774 | Kolkata (CCU) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:45 | Air India 8052 | Nairobi (NBO) Mumbai (BOM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:45 | Air India 1815 | Gaya (GAY) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:30 | Air India 1843 | Aurangabad (IXU) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:15 | Air India 9922 | New Delhi (DEL) Mangalore (IXE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:10 | Air India 1733 | New Delhi (DEL) Kolkata (CCU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:10 | Air India 544 | New Delhi (DEL) Hyderabad (HYD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:00 | Air India 882 | Ahmedabad (AMD) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202516:00 | Air India 2687 | Mumbai (BOM) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:50 | Air India 9653 | Bagdogra (IXB) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:50 | Air India 1839 | Pune (PNQ) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
10.11.202515:40 | Air India 1848 | Jaisalmer (JSA) New Delhi (DEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
