Bumped Off an Air India Flight From the UK? You Could Be Owed £520

UK to India flights are some of the fullest long-haul routes out of Britain, especially around Diwali, Christmas, Easter and the summer wedding season. When a flight is oversold, someone with a valid ticket gets left behind. If that was you on an Air India flight leaving the UK, the law is firmly on your side.

What counts as denied boarding?

You've been denied boarding if you had a confirmed reservation, checked in on time and turned up at the gate, but Air India wouldn't let you fly. The most common cause is overbooking, but it also covers being moved off a flight because of a downgraded or swapped aircraft with fewer seats.

It doesn't count if you were refused for a valid reason, such as missing travel documents, an incorrect visa or e-visa, arriving after check-in closed, or safety and behaviour concerns.

How much are you owed?

For flights departing a UK airport, UK261 gives each passenger refused boarding against their will:

• £520 per passenger, because every direct UK to India route is over 3,500km
• Reduced to £260 if Air India got you to your destination within 4 hours of your original arrival time

Unlike delays, there's no extraordinary circumstances defence for overbooking. Selling more seats than the plane holds is a commercial choice, so Air India must pay.

You're also owed a refund or new flight

On top of compensation, Air India must offer you the choice of a full refund or rerouting to your destination at the earliest opportunity. While you wait, you're entitled to meals, refreshments, and a hotel with transfers if the next flight isn't until the following day.

Volunteered? Read the deal carefully

If the gate staff ask for volunteers and you agree to give up your seat in exchange for vouchers, miles or cash, you generally lose the right to the fixed £520. Before accepting, check what's on offer is worth more than the compensation you'd get if you were bumped involuntarily, and get the terms in writing. Our guide to denied boarding compensation covers this in more detail.

Flying back from India?

UK261 only protects Air India passengers on flights departing the UK. If you were bumped on the return from Delhi or Mumbai, UK261 won't apply, but Indian aviation rules require airlines to compensate passengers denied boarding on oversold flights. See our guide to Air India flights from India to the UK.

What to do at the airport

• Ask the gate staff to confirm in writing that you were denied boarding and why
• Don't sign anything waiving your rights
• Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation and receipts for food or hotels
• Note the time you finally arrived at your destination

Start your claim

If you were bumped from an Air India flight leaving the UK, check your flight with Klaimly. You have up to 6 years to claim (5 in Scotland). We charge a flat 5% fee, only if we win, with no VAT added and nothing to pay upfront. Air India pays your compensation directly to you.