Consumer Forum Orders AirAsia to Pay ₹90,750 Compensation for Damage to Rare Plant During Flight
Air Asia News
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Palakkad, Kerala, has directed AirAsia India Limited to pay ₹90,750 as compensation to a farmer who suffered financial losses after a delayed flight damaged a rare plant he was carrying. The Commission found the airline guilty of deficiency in service and held it responsible for the losses and mental distress faced by the passenger.
The case was filed by a farmer from Palakkad who is involved in the cultivation and research of hybrid fruit species. According to the complaint, the farmer traveled to Indonesia in August 2025 to purchase a rare hybrid jackfruit sapling for his farm. He flew from Kochi to Indonesia through Kuala Lumpur and successfully obtained the plant.
However, problems began during his return journey. The farmer boarded an AirAsia flight from Medan-Kualanamu Airport in Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur. The flight was delayed by several hours, which caused him to miss his connecting flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi. The farmer had planned a layover of more than three hours, which he believed was enough time to catch his next flight.
After arriving in Kuala Lumpur, the farmer approached AirAsia officials and explained that he was carrying a rare and sensitive plant. He reportedly requested the airline to arrange an alternative flight and even offered to pay additional charges if necessary. However, airline staff allegedly informed him that the next available flight to Kochi would only be after three days.
The farmer later discovered that seats were available on another AirAsia flight the very next day, and he managed to book a ticket himself. Due to the unexpected delay and lack of assistance from the airline, the rare jackfruit sapling suffered damage and became unusable. As a result, the main purpose of his trip was defeated, leading to financial losses. He also had to spend extra money on accommodation and travel during the delay.
Despite receiving notice from the Consumer Commission, AirAsia did not appear before the forum or submit any response. As a result, the case proceeded ex parte, meaning it was decided based on the evidence provided by the complainant alone.
After reviewing flight tickets, travel records, and other documents, the Commission concluded that AirAsia had failed to provide proper service to its customer. The Bench, consisting of President Vinay Menon V and members Vidya A and Krishnankutty NK, observed that the farmer had suffered both financial loss and mental agony because of the airline’s negligence.
The Commission ordered AirAsia to refund ₹30,750 towards the ticket fare. It also directed the airline to pay ₹25,000 for travel and accommodation expenses and another ₹25,000 as compensation for deficiency in service. Additionally, ₹10,000 was awarded towards litigation costs.
The total compensation awarded came to ₹90,750. The Commission instructed the airline to pay the amount within 45 days. If it fails to do so, AirAsia will be required to pay an additional penalty of ₹500 per month until the full amount is paid.
The farmer was represented by Nyayashraya Associates through advocates Jeevan John, Sidhya Sasidharan, and Aravind. The ruling highlights the importance of airlines providing timely assistance to passengers and fulfilling their responsibilities when flight disruptions occur.
