Singapore Airlines Fined for Failing to Provide Adequate Food on 15-Hour Flight

The Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held Singapore Airlines liable for a deficiency in service after a family alleged that it was not provided adequate food during a 15–16-hour flight from Delhi to Melbourne. The commission directed the airline to pay ₹50,000 in compensation for the mental distress caused to the passengers and towards litigation expenses. The complaint was filed by Jaspreet Singh, whose wife, mother-in-law and 11-month-old daughter travelled on the airline on March 4, 2020. Singh alleged that the crew failed to provide his family with sufficient food during the long journey and did not even provide milk for his infant daughter.

The family initially approached a district consumer forum, which ordered a refund of the ₹1.25 lakh ticket cost along with interest. Singapore Airlines challenged that decision before the state commission, arguing that meals had been served according to its regular menu and that no special or vegetarian meals had been requested in advance. However, the commission rejected the airline’s argument, observing that the absence of a special-meal request did not remove its responsibility to provide basic food during such a lengthy flight. Taking into account the difficulties faced by a family travelling with an infant, the commission partially modified the district forum’s order, ruling that a full ticket refund was not warranted because the passengers had completed their journey. The airline was directed to pay the joint compensation of ₹50,000 within 45 days.