Air India Faces Class-Action Lawsuit in Israel Over Canceled Flights
A Lod court approved a class-action lawsuit against Air India for violating aviation laws during the April 2024 Iranian drone attack by failing to assist stranded passengers.
The Central District Court in Lod has approved a class-action lawsuit against Air India for allegedly violating Israel's Aviation Services Law during the April 2024 Iranian missile and drone attack, often referred to as the "drone night". The core of the lawsuit centers on claims that the airline failed to provide passengers with legally mandated assistance services following flight cancellations, and neglected to offer alternative flights or ticket refunds.
Air India, India's national carrier, operates regular flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv. According to the certification request, following the Iranian missile attack on April 14, 2024, the airline announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Israel, which were only resumed on May 16, 2024.
Legal Violations and Allegations
Plaintiffs argued that during this period, Air India failed to fulfill its obligations under the Aviation Services Law. Among other claims, the lawsuit states that the company did not provide assistance and benefits such as food and beverages, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and communication services.
It was further alleged that the company failed to offer passengers alternative flights at the earliest possible date, including via other airlines, and dismissed its responsibility to provide these services under a "force majeure" defense, which the plaintiffs argue does not exempt the carrier from statutory obligations.
"It appears prima facie that the respondent did not act as required to provide an alternative flight ticket in accordance with the provisions of the law." — Central District Court
Air India's Defense and Court Ruling
In its defense, Air India emphasized that it is a foreign airline headquartered in India, and that it suspended its flights due to the Iron Swords war. The airline argued that these decisions were driven by security considerations and resulted directly from an unprecedented historical event, which should justify dismissing the lawsuit. Regarding alternative tickets, Air India argued it is not obligated to provide tickets under any conditions or at any cost, but rather subject to availability and within the scope of its own services.
The court rejected these preliminary defenses regarding the core claims, ruling that sufficient evidentiary foundation was established to prove a reasonable possibility that Air India breached its duties to stranded passengers.
