Air India Faces Major Issue with Denied Boardings in 2024

The Indian airline industry struggled with a major issue in 2024 as 18,746 passengers were denied boarding. Surprisingly, over 77% of these cases were linked to Air India Group, causing major inconvenience to travelers.

Indian Airline Market: Air India’s Position

In 2024, domestic airlines in India carried 1,613.31 lakh passengers. IndiGo remained the market leader with a 62% share, followed by Air India at 16.5% and SpiceJet at 3.7%.

Rising Costs for Passenger Compensation

Due to frequent boarding denials, Air India Group has spent large amounts on passenger compensation. In January 2025 alone, the airline paid ₹295 lakh for alternative travel, hotel stays, and meals.

The highest number of denied boardings occurred in November 2024, affecting 3,529 passengers and costing ₹273 crore in assistance.

On the other hand, August 2024 saw the lowest number of denied boardings, with 728 cases, including 547 from Air India.

Air India Group Leads in Boarding Denials

Among all airlines, Air India recorded the highest number of denied boardings in 2024, impacting 14,545 passengers. The issue persisted in January 2025, with 3,171 passengers turned away—2,959 from Air India alone.

One of the key reasons behind this issue is overbooking. Airlines sell more tickets than available seats to maximize occupancy, but when too many passengers show up, some are left without a seat.

As per DGCA regulations, airlines must compensate passengers who are denied boarding involuntarily, offering alternative flights, meals, and accommodation.

Need for Better Passenger Experience

With thousands of travelers facing disruptions, airlines must enhance their booking systems, improve communication, and strictly follow DGCA guidelines.

As competition in the aviation sector increases, ensuring a smooth travel experience will be crucial for customer satisfaction and industry growth.