You may be entitled to hundreds of pounds in compensation for flight disruption. The problem: large flight claim portals ("Flightright", "FairPlane" etc.) advertise quick help, but if they succeed they often keep 30 to 45 per cent of your money as commission. Why give a portal £200 for something you are legally entitled to?
Use our free generator to create a legally robust letter to Air India. You send the PDF – and the money goes straight into your account.
Editorially reviewed on: 05/07/2026
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Compare the best (free) travel credit cardsIf you fly with Air India and are affected by a significant delay, a cancellation or denied boarding, you may benefit from one of the strongest passenger protection regimes available: UK Regulation 261 (UK261). This regulation requires airlines to make fixed compensation payments that are entirely independent of the ticket price. Even if you booked a budget flight for £30, you may still be entitled to hundreds of pounds if your flight was disrupted.
The amount of statutory compensation does not depend on the ticket price and generally not on the length of the delay alone, but primarily on the flight distance:
Important: In the case of a delay, entitlement to this payment generally arises only if you arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours late. If departure is delayed by three hours but the pilot makes up time in the air and lands only 2 hours and 50 minutes late, the claim usually falls away.
When you send your claim letter to Air India, the airline will often try to rely on so-called "extraordinary circumstances". If these apply, the airline may not have to pay compensation. However, as a passenger you should not simply accept this at face value, because the case law in this area is strict.
Time limits for bringing a claim can vary depending on the legal basis and the circumstances. For claims under UK Regulation 261 (UK261), it is best to act promptly and, if necessary, check the applicable limitation period for your route and jurisdiction.
Absolutely not. Airlines often try to fob off frustrated passengers at the airport with travel vouchers because this helps their cash flow. Under UK Regulation 261 (UK261), however, you have the right to receive compensation as a cash payment or by bank transfer.
Quite separately from financial compensation, Air India must provide care and assistance during long waits at the airport. This means free meals, refreshments and means of communication. If the flight is moved to the next day, the airline must pay for hotel accommodation and transport to and from it. Keep receipts for food or taxis if the airline failed to arrange this.
Air India is India's state-owned carrier and a major network operator, connecting numerous destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond. Its home hub is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. On flights departing the UK or EU, claims may arise under UK Air Passenger Rights (UK261) or EU Regulation 261/2004 for delay or cancellation. Baggage problems and related damages claims often fall under the Montreal Convention. Air India's registered office and legal jurisdiction is New Delhi, India. Depending on the ticket and routing, reclaimable taxes and fees may also apply.
Our guides and generators are based on a careful review of current UK and retained passenger rights rules (such as UK Regulation 261), relevant court decisions and UK consumer travel law.
They are developed by Marc (project lead) & team to help travellers enforce their rights against airlines and package holiday providers with confidence.
Important note: Our tools provide self-help support for flight delays, hotel issues or train disruption. They do not replace individual legal advice from a solicitor.
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