Flight changes and cancellations can be a frustrating reality of modern air travel. Whether it’s a sudden schedule shift or a complete cancellation, knowing what to do if your flight is cancelled can save you time, stress, and even money. 


For Indian travelers, especially those flying internationally or during busy seasons, understanding your rights and acting quickly is crucial. This flight cancellation guide walks you through every step you should take, from rebooking and refunds to claiming flight change compensation and avoiding disruption next time.

Why Airlines Change or Cancel Flights

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Flight changes and cancellations happen for a wide range of reasons. Understanding these can help you determine whether you qualify for assistance or compensation:

 

  • Weather Disruptions: Monsoons, fog in northern India, or cyclones in coastal regions frequently affect visibility and schedules.
  • Operational Issues: Aircraft maintenance, overbooking, and crew unavailability are common causes for last-minute changes.
  • Air Traffic Congestion: High-traffic hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai experience bottlenecks, especially during holidays and long weekends.
  • Commercial Decisions: Airlines may cancel underbooked flights or re-route based on cost-efficiency.
  • Geopolitical Situations: Political unrest or regulatory changes may cause flights to be rerouted or canceled with little warning.

 

When this happens, your ability to recover depends on acting quickly and knowing your rights under the airline change policy.

Step 1: Identify the Reason for the Change

Always start by reviewing the notification sent by the airline. Most major Indian airlines, such as IndiGo and Air India, notify passengers via:

 

  • SMS and email (used at the time of booking)
  • Mobile apps with real-time updates
  • Status pages on the airline’s website

 

Understanding the reason is critical because it influences what you’re entitled to, such as flight delay compensation, vouchers, or refunds.

 

Travel Tip: Screenshot the cancellation notice and note the time it was sent. This may be useful if you need to file a complaint or request flight change compensation.

Step 2: Review and Respond to Rebooking Offers

Once your flight is canceled or changed, the airline typically offers:

 

  • An automatic rebooking on the next available flight
  • A request to choose a new flight within a certain time frame
  • A full refund if rebooking is not suitable

 

On international routes, especially those involving codeshare partners like Lufthansa, Emirates, or Qatar Airways, rebooking may involve coordination between multiple carriers. Review the terms before accepting.

 

If rebooking does not fit your schedule, such as if it delays your arrival beyond a visa appointment or wedding, deciding what to do if your flight is cancelled becomes a choice between seeking an alternative or obtaining a refund.

Step 3: Know Your Passenger Rights (Domestic & International)

For Domestic Flights in India

According to DGCA India guidelines:

  • If the flight cancellation is within 6 hours of departure and due to the airline, you’re entitled to meal vouchers or alternate transport.
  • If the cancellation is notified less than 24 hours before departure, you may be eligible for up to ₹10,000 compensation, depending on the ticket cost.
  • Airlines must refund the entire fare without penalty if you reject the alternative.

For International Flights

If your flight is to or from:

  • European Union countries: You’re protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which allows up to €600 compensation for cancellations or delays.
  • United States: Compensation is limited unless you’re involuntarily bumped.
  • Middle East / Southeast Asia: Rules vary by airline, but compensation is less standardized.

 

These laws are key to claiming flight change compensation and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Step 4: How to Rebook Quickly and Efficiently

When you’re notified of a change or cancellation, don’t wait for the airline to reach you. Take the initiative with these fastest rebooking methods:

  • Mobile apps (IndiGo, Vistara, Emirates, etc.)
  • Official airline websites
  • Customer support (look for India-based and international hotline numbers)
  • Social media (Twitter/X DMs): Surprisingly effective during mass cancellations
  • Airport help desk: Essential if you’re already checked in or mid-journey

 

Travel Tip: Indian travelers can often bypass long call waits by dialing the airline’s international support number from India (using VoIP apps or international SIMs).

Step 5: Stranded at the Airport? Know What to Ask For

If you’re left waiting for a new flight, here’s what you’re entitled to:

  • Meals or food vouchers if waiting over 2 hours
  • Hotel stay if the new flight departs the next day (especially on international routes)
  • Transport between the hotel and the airport for layovers over 6 hours

 

Always ask the airline staff to confirm these in writing, especially when rebooking isn’t instant. These rights vary between domestic and international carriers but are often negotiable when delays are extensive.

Step 6: Requesting Refunds or Compensation

How to Request a Refund

If you decide not to travel:

  • Use the airline website or app to cancel and request a refund
  • Follow up via email if not processed within 7 to 14 working days
  • Log complaints with AirSewa (DGCA’s grievance portal) for domestic routes

How to Request Compensation

You’re entitled to flight cancellation compensation or flight delay compensation under several conditions:

  • If the cancellation was not caused by weather or extraordinary events
  • If you weren’t informed at least 24 hours in advance
  • If alternate arrangements delay your arrival by more than 6 hours

 

You can also use services like AirHelp, but they charge a percentage of your claim.

Step 7: Prevent Future Disruptions With Smarter Planning

Booking smart can save you from stress:

  • Choose early morning departures—fewer delays and more rebooking options
  • Use nonstop flights to reduce the chances of missed connections
  • Book through platforms like OneAir, which track hidden fares and alert you early about flight changes
  • Choose credit cards with built-in trip protection
  • Add travel insurance for international trips—it often covers hotel, food, and new flight costs

Takeaway

Flight disruptions are frustrating, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect yourself, recover costs, and even be compensated. The next time you’re wondering what to do if your flight is canceled, remember to act fast, assert your rights, and use innovative platforms to stay ahead of the curve.

Sign up for OneAir to receive real-time alerts for schedule changes and access unpublished deals. Members can save thousands per trip, especially on long-haul international routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you weren’t informed at least 24 hours before, you can claim up to ₹10,000 under DGCA guidelines and request a full refund or an alternative flight.

Yes, depending on the cause and airline policy, you may be eligible for flight delay compensation, meals, and possibly accommodation.

If booked on a single PNR, the airline is responsible for rebooking you at no additional cost. If booked separately, you may not be covered.

Yes, but processing takes longer. Raise a request with the travel agency and monitor refund timelines.

You are not obligated to accept it. You can request a full refund or an alternative that fits your plans.

You can file a claim directly on the airline’s EU site or use third-party services specializing in flight cancellation compensation under EU261.

Only if the airline’s fault caused the cancellation. Always ask at the help desk or customer service hotline, and keep receipts.

Use the AirSewa portal by DGCA. You’ll need your PNR, airline details, and cancellation notice.