International Student Alleges Severe Passenger Rights Violations by Air India; Seeks DGCA & MoCA Intervention

Ludhiana, December 16, 2025: An international student, Khushi Modi, has formally approached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), alleging serious lapses in passenger handling by Air India, resulting in prolonged confinement, mental distress, and violation of passenger rights.

Modi, an undergraduate student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, was traveling on a round-trip international ticket from Singapore to Amritsar via Delhi on 14–15 December 2025.

According to her complaint, after landing in Delhi around midnight, passengers were boarded on Air India flight AI1703 (Delhi–Amritsar) scheduled to depart at 4:50 AM. Passengers were seated inside the aircraft by approximately 4:15 AMbut were kept confined for over four hours without clear communication, announcements, or explanation.

The flight was eventually cancelled due to Air India’s operational reasons.

Modi alleges that despite the cancellation being airline-initiated no alternate flight or rebooking was offered, no hotel accommodation, transport, or ground assistance was provided, Airline staff reportedly refused to extend any help and no special consideration was given despite her status as an international student. Her parents, who had travelled from Ludhiana to receive her at Amritsar Airport, faced severe inconvenience and distress

The incident has raised concerns regarding non-compliance with DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) relating to passenger rights in cases of cancellation, including mandatory assistance and care obligations.

In her representation to DGCA and MoCA, Modi has sought a formal inquiry into Air India’s conduct, a written explanation from the airline for prolonged onboard confinement, full refund of her entire round-trip ticket, including the return journey scheduled for 18 January 2026, compensation as per DGCA CAR provisions and corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

“I undertook this journey trusting India’s national carrier and expecting basic care and dignity. No passenger—especially a student returning home after an international journey—should be left helpless due to airline negligence,” Modi stated in her complaint.

She has confirmed that a formal grievance has already been filed with Air India, but no satisfactory resolution has been provided so far.

The matter highlights broader concerns regarding passenger protection, accountability of airlines, and enforcement of aviation regulations, particularly in cases involving long-haul international travelers and students.