Air India Delay From Delhi or Mumbai to London: What Are Your Rights?
Air India flights from India to the UK usually aren't covered by UK261. Here's what you can still claim, from Montreal Convention expenses to Indian DGCA rules.
One of the most common questions we get from Air India passengers is why a delayed flight out to India was worth £520, but an equally bad delay on the way home was worth nothing. It comes down to which law covers which direction, and it's worth understanding before you give up on a claim.
Why the return flight usually isn't covered by UK261
UK261 protects passengers on:
- Every flight departing a UK airport, whatever the airline
- Flights arriving in the UK, but only if the airline is a UK or EU carrier
Air India is an Indian airline, so its Delhi to Heathrow or Mumbai to Birmingham flights aren't covered by UK261, however long the delay. The same applies to EU261 for Air India flights into Europe.
The exception: a UK or EU airline operated your flight
Air India is a Star Alliance member and sells codeshare seats on partner flights. If your ticket said Air India but the flight from India was actually operated by a UK or EU airline, UK261 or EU261 can apply, because what matters is the operating carrier, not the name on the ticket. Check your booking or boarding pass for "operated by".
Round trip from the UK? Your outbound leg is still covered
If you flew out from the UK and were delayed on both legs, claim for the outbound. Any Air India flight leaving the UK that arrived 4+ hours late can be worth £520 per passenger. Our Air India delay compensation guide covers the outbound rules, and cancellations are covered in our guide to Air India cancellation refunds and compensation.
Montreal Convention: claim your actual losses
Even without UK261, both India and the UK are parties to the Montreal Convention, which makes airlines liable for proven financial losses caused by delay, unless they took all reasonable measures to avoid it. That can include:
- Hotel nights and meals while stranded
- Missed onward train or flight tickets
- Lost earnings if you missed work
This isn't a fixed payment, so you'll need receipts and evidence for every cost. Our guide to loss of earnings after a flight delay explains how these claims work.
Indian DGCA passenger rules
India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, sets its own passenger charter for Indian airlines. It requires airlines to provide meals and refreshments during long delays, hotel accommodation for overnight disruption, and refunds or alternative flights for cancellations. It also requires compensation for passengers denied boarding on oversold flights. These claims are made directly to Air India, and can be escalated through the Indian government's AirSewa grievance portal if the airline doesn't respond.
Airspace restrictions and longer routings
Air India's flights between India and Europe have been affected by airspace closures that force longer routes or extra refuelling stops. A sudden closure is usually treated as an extraordinary circumstance, so it may not lead to compensation even on outbound flights. But once a restriction becomes a known, long-running situation, airlines are expected to build it into their schedules, and later delays blamed on it deserve a closer look.
Check before you write it off
If you're not sure which direction or airline your claim falls under, check your flight with Klaimly. We'll tell you straight away whether it qualifies under UK261. For eligible flights we charge a flat 5% fee, only if we win, with no VAT added and nothing to pay upfront.
