Air India flyer flags last-minute reschedule, claims 4x fare to rebook Singapore trip
Airlines typically manage seat inventory across fare classes, which can affect availability during rebooking. However, in this case, sources said the airline re-accommodated the passenger on a flight on May 2 without any additional cost. This case does not appear to violate any rules
- May 2, 2026,
- Updated May 3, 2026 2:54 PM IST
In a post on X, user Amit Kumar said that he and a co-passenger had originally booked a direct flight from Delhi to Singapore scheduled for May 3 at 12:40 am, with tickets purchased nearly two months in advance.
However, shortly after completing web check-in, they received a message stating that the flight had been rescheduled to May 4 and would no longer be a direct service.
According to the post, when the passengers contacted customer support, they were initially offered only two options: either travel on May 4 arriving significantly later than planned or cancel the booking and make a fresh reservation, which they claimed would cost nearly four times the original fare.
In a subsequent update, the passenger said they were eventually moved to a flight on May 2. However, this alternative was a connecting flight via Mumbai, despite the original booking being for a direct route.
The passenger further alleged that despite having already paid for seat selection prior to check-in, they were asked to pay again for seats on the revised flight.
Additionally, the change forced them to book a hotel for an extra day at short notice, incurring higher costs. “Why am I being punished for Air India’s fault,” the user wrote.
The complaint has gained traction online, raising questions around airline rescheduling practices, fare policies, and passenger handling during disruptions.
Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that while operational disruptions can occur, airlines are expected to communicate schedule changes well in advance. Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, passengers must be offered either a full refund or an alternate flight, and in cases of last-minute cancellations or changes, compensation provisions may also apply if adequate notice is not given.
Airlines typically manage seat inventory across fare classes, which can affect availability during rebooking. However, in this case, sources said the airline re-accommodated the passenger on a flight on May 2 without any additional cost. This case does not appear to violate any rules.
In a statement to Business Today, the airline said, "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to guests booked on AI2118 from Delhi to Singapore on 3 May, which was rescheduled to 4 May due to operational reasons. In line with established protocols, Air India proactively informed all guests 2 days prior to departure and offered applicable options, including a full refund or complimentary re-accommodation on an alternative Air India flight, subject to seat availability in the same cabin class as originally booked.
"In the specific instance that gained public attention, both the aforesaid options were presented, and the guests chose to travel on an earlier Air India flight on 2 May, which was facilitated at no additional cost. We remain committed to supporting our guests during such disruptions and appreciate their understanding as we work within operational and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and reliable travel," the airline added.
In a post on X, user Amit Kumar said that he and a co-passenger had originally booked a direct flight from Delhi to Singapore scheduled for May 3 at 12:40 am, with tickets purchased nearly two months in advance.
However, shortly after completing web check-in, they received a message stating that the flight had been rescheduled to May 4 and would no longer be a direct service.
According to the post, when the passengers contacted customer support, they were initially offered only two options: either travel on May 4 arriving significantly later than planned or cancel the booking and make a fresh reservation, which they claimed would cost nearly four times the original fare.
In a subsequent update, the passenger said they were eventually moved to a flight on May 2. However, this alternative was a connecting flight via Mumbai, despite the original booking being for a direct route.
The passenger further alleged that despite having already paid for seat selection prior to check-in, they were asked to pay again for seats on the revised flight.
Additionally, the change forced them to book a hotel for an extra day at short notice, incurring higher costs. “Why am I being punished for Air India’s fault,” the user wrote.
The complaint has gained traction online, raising questions around airline rescheduling practices, fare policies, and passenger handling during disruptions.
Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that while operational disruptions can occur, airlines are expected to communicate schedule changes well in advance. Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, passengers must be offered either a full refund or an alternate flight, and in cases of last-minute cancellations or changes, compensation provisions may also apply if adequate notice is not given.
Airlines typically manage seat inventory across fare classes, which can affect availability during rebooking. However, in this case, sources said the airline re-accommodated the passenger on a flight on May 2 without any additional cost. This case does not appear to violate any rules.
In a statement to Business Today, the airline said, "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to guests booked on AI2118 from Delhi to Singapore on 3 May, which was rescheduled to 4 May due to operational reasons. In line with established protocols, Air India proactively informed all guests 2 days prior to departure and offered applicable options, including a full refund or complimentary re-accommodation on an alternative Air India flight, subject to seat availability in the same cabin class as originally booked.
"In the specific instance that gained public attention, both the aforesaid options were presented, and the guests chose to travel on an earlier Air India flight on 2 May, which was facilitated at no additional cost. We remain committed to supporting our guests during such disruptions and appreciate their understanding as we work within operational and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and reliable travel," the airline added.