Flight Cancelled? How Much Compensation You Deserve (and When the Refund Must Hit Your Account)

When an airline cancels your flight, what you’re owed depends on when they inform you and whether they offer an alternate.

If they cancel less than 2 weeks but at least 24 hours before departure, they must either move you to another acceptable flight or give you a full refund — your choice, not theirs.

If they don’t inform you properly and you show up at the airport to find the flight cancelled, you’re entitled to a full refund plus compensation up to ₹5,000, ₹7,500, or ₹10,000 depending on the flight duration (block time).

Refunds paid by card should be processed within 7 days, while cash payments should be refunded immediately — long refund delays like the Air India case where a passenger waited over 47 days after an 18-hour delay are not what the rules intend.

In reality, passengers often have to chase airlines or escalate on social media to get what’s already legally owed to them.

For a full explanation of all cancellation and refund rights, check out my Passenger Rights playlist.

And before your next trip, watch my video on how to choose the right seat for your journey so that, when your flight does operate, you at least enjoy the ride: [How to Choose the Best Seat on a Flight]