Air India Fined Rs 1.36 Lakh For Stranding Passenger

A consumer commission has mandated Air India to compensate a passenger Rs 1.36 lakh for a missed international flight due to a domestic delay experienced in 2017. This ruling follows a nine-year legal dispute initiated by the passenger who suffered financial losses and significant emotional distress.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Thiruvananthapuram determined Air India was at fault for deficiency in service on July 15. The airline was directed to pay Rs 83,000 for financial losses, Rs 50,000 for mental agony, and Rs 3,000 for litigation costs.

Kapildev, a driver employed in Saudi Arabia, missed his connecting flight to Saudi Arabia from Mumbai on September 10, 2017, after his initial Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram was delayed by over two hours.

Stranded overnight in Mumbai, Kapildev incurred nearly Rs 49,000 for a new ticket and lost Rs 34,000 from his original booking, totaling Rs 83,000 in financial losses. He also alleged a lack of assistance from Air India regarding food and accommodation.

Air India contested the claim, stating the delay was due to an incoming aircraft's late arrival and that they had attempted to notify Kapildev and offered accommodation and alternative flights. However, the commission dismissed these defenses.

The commission's final order on July 15 concluded the protracted legal battle, holding Air India accountable for the inconvenience and costs borne by the passenger.