How to File a Complaint Against an Indian Airline – Tourist Rights & Process
Traveling across India by air is often convenient and affordable, but it can also come with unexpected hiccups—flight delays, cancellations, poor service, lost luggage, or denied boarding. If you’re a foreign visitor facing issues with an Indian airline, it’s crucial to know how to file a complaint legally and effectively.
This guide will walk you through the exact process to lodge a complaint against an Indian airline, along with your rights, timelines, and whom to contact if things escalate.
✈️ Common Issues Faced by Foreign Travelers on Indian Airlines
Before you file a complaint, it’s essential to understand which issues are officially recognized by regulatory authorities:
- Flight delays or cancellations without prior notice
- Denied boarding despite confirmed ticket
- Lost or damaged baggage
- Non-refund of canceled tickets
- Rude or unprofessional airline staff
- Overbooking and refusal of alternate arrangements
🧾 Step-by-Step Process to File a Complaint Against an Indian Airline
1. Try to Resolve It with the Airline First
Before escalating the matter, always try the customer care route:
- Visit the airline’s official website and look for a ‘Customer Grievance’ or ‘Feedback’ section.
- Email the airline with details of the issue, including flight number, date, ticket ID, and supporting documents.
- Airlines are obligated to respond within 30 days under the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) guidelines.
2. Escalate to the Nodal or Appellate Officer
If no resolution is offered or the response is unsatisfactory:
- Each airline has designated Nodal and Appellate Officers listed on their website.
- You must submit your grievance to them along with your original complaint and airline’s response (if any).
- Keep a written record and acknowledgement.
🏛 How to File an Official Complaint with DGCA India
If the airline fails to resolve your complaint fairly, escalate it to the DGCA, India’s aviation regulator.
DGCA Complaint Portal:
Visit: https://airsewa.gov.in
Steps to follow:
- Register an account using your email and mobile number.
- Click on ‘File Complaint’, select the airline and nature of issue.
- Attach your boarding pass, tickets, airline communication, and passport copy (for identity verification).
- Submit and wait for acknowledgment.
✅ The AirSewa portal also allows you to track status and communicate with authorities.
💰 What Compensation Can You Expect?
Under Indian aviation rules, you may be eligible for compensation in the following cases:
- Flight delays of more than 3 hours – Refreshments or rebooking
- Denied boarding due to overbooking – Compensation and alternate flight
- Lost or delayed baggage – Reimbursement based on baggage value
- Cancellations without notice – Full refund + compensation (if over 2 hours late)
Airlines must comply with DGCA’s passenger charter, and foreign travelers have equal rights.
🛡 Tips to Strengthen Your Complaint
- Save all receipts, screenshots, and boarding passes
- Record names of airline staff (if possible)
- Maintain a polite but assertive tone in emails
- File complaints within 30 days of the incident for quicker resolution
📞 When to Contact Indian Travel Help
If your complaint is ignored, delayed, or involves language barriers or legal confusion, Indian Travel Help can step in:
- We assist with documentation, escalation, and legal communication
- Help in filing formal complaints with DGCA, AirSewa, or consumer forums
- Guidance for seeking refunds or compensation
- 24×7 support for distressed travelers stuck at Indian airports
📩 Need Help with Airline Complaints? We’re Just a Click Away!
Don’t let airline negligence ruin your India travel experience. If you’re facing airline issues and don’t know how to proceed—Indian Travel Help is here for you.
📞 Contact Us:
🌐 Website: www.indiantravelhelp.com
📧 Email: support@indiantravelhelp.com
We handle the stress, so you don’t have to.
