Aviation accident claims

Being injured on a flight is distressing and often unexpected. If you've suffered an injury during air travel because of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to make an airline injury compensation claim. Our specialist international injury team is here to help.

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Author

Ross Smith

International Injuries Team Lead

Reviewer

Jamil Mohammed

Solicitor

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Can I make an airline injury claim?

Airline injury claims can be made when you’ve been hurt during on board a plane or helicopter. This could be during the process of boarding or disembarking. Injuries in these circumstances can range from minor to life-changing, and the legal process involved is different from a standard personal injury claim.

You may be able to make a claim if you were injured in a range of scenarios, including burns from hot food or drink served on board, or objects falling from overhead lockers. Claims can also involve slips, trips or falls on the aircraft, or accidents involving trolleys. In more serious cases, they may relate to emergency or heavy landings, onboard fires, or cabin depressurisation incidents.

Claims for injuries during international air travel are typically governed by the Montreal Convention 1999, an international treaty that allows passengers to bring a claim against the airline they were travelling with. Importantly, the Convention covers accidents that happen during the full process of travel, including during embarkation and disembarkation. This means it may apply to injuries that occur while you’re going through security or passport control at departure or arrival.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s worth speaking to us. Unlike most personal injury claims, where you generally have three years from the date of your injury to bring a claim, under the Montreal Convention you have only two years. Getting in touch early gives us the best chance to assess your case and advise you honestly on whether you have a claim.

Example of an airline injury claim

Imagine a passenger on an international flight who is struck on the head by a bag falling from an overhead locker that had not been properly secured. The impact causes a head injury requiring medical treatment and time off work. If the incident occurred during the flight and it can be shown that there was a failure by staff or in the cabin lock, this could be a valid claim under the Montreal Convention 1999.

Common airline injury claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Recovering lost income and covering future care

Airline injury compensation is not just about acknowledging what happened to you. It’s about making sure you have the financial support to recover properly and deal with the practical consequences of your injury, in the short term and, where needed, for the longer term.

Airline injury compensation might cover:

Ongoing treatment or support
Future care needs
Loss of income
Our team will work to make sure any settlement reflects the true impact of what you’ve been through – not just the immediate costs, but everything your injury has affected.

Understanding the potential value

Compensation is assessed based on your individual circumstances like the severity of your injury and its wider impact on your life. In one case, our client was struck on the head by luggage falling from an overhead locker. Although the physical injury was minor, it led to significant psychological symptoms affecting work and daily life. Compensation was successfully secured under the Montreal Convention, reflecting both his physical and emotional suffering.

Specialist airline injury solicitors

Why choose Fletchers for your airline injury claim?

Airline injury claims are legally complex. They involve international law, cross-border jurisdictions so specialist knowledge of the Montreal Convention 1999 is essential. This convention governs how and when claims can be brought against airlines. Having the right team around you makes a real difference. Our international injury specialists have handled a wide range of aviation accident cases, from minor injuries to catastrophic accidents, and have the experience and global network to support you effectively, wherever your case leads.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist international and aviation injury solicitors with decades of combined experience
Recognised in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for international personal injury law
Extensive network of legal partners across international jurisdictions for cross-border cases
Experience handling the full range of airline injury scenarios, from minor injuries to catastrophic accidents
Clear, honest advice on whether you have a claim and what it could be worth
No win, no fee on most airline injury claims, so there is no financial risk to you

You're not alone

We understand what you’re going through.

Being injured on a flight is often sudden and unexpected, and whether your injury was minor or serious, the experience can be unsettling. Being injured far from home, or dealing with an airline’s legal team, it can feel especially difficult to know where to turn or whether anyone will take your claim seriously.

We see many clients with these same worries, about whether they have a valid case, or about the costs and complexity of going up against an internation airline. This uncertainty is completely understandable as aviation injury law is a specialist area, and the rules are different from standard personal injury claims.

We are here to support you, as we have many others like you. We have supported many clients in your position and what they needed was someone to listen to them and understand. We can explain things clearly and take on the complexity on your behalf. We’ll assess your situation honestly and handle every part of the claim so you can focus on your recovery.

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FAQs about airline injury claims

How long do I have to make an airline injury claim?

Unlike most personal injury claims, where you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim at court, claims under the Montreal Convention 1999 must be brought within two years. It’s important to get in touch with our team as early as possible so we can assess your case and make sure you don’t miss this deadline.

Who can make a personal injury claim against an airline?

Any passenger who has sustained an injury while travelling with an airline may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. This includes injuries that happen on board, as well as during the process of boarding or disembarking, so this can also include injuries while going through security or passport control. We’ll help you understand whether your situation qualifies and what your options are.

What is the Montreal Convention 1999?

The Montreal Convention 1999 is an international treaty that governs passenger injury claims against airlines during international air travel. It allows passengers to bring a claim against the airline they were travelling with for accidents that occur during the flight or in the course of embarking or disembarking. Once we understand the specific circumstances of your case, we can advise whether the Convention applies and how to proceed.

How long does an airline injury claim take?

The time it takes to resolve an airline injury claim depends on the complexity of the case including the severity of your injuries and the evidence available. Another factor that can play a big role is if liability is disputed. Our team will keep you informed at every stage and work to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.

How much compensation can I receive for an airline injury claim?

The amount of compensation depends on a range of factors, including how your injuries have affected your life and work due to their severity, and any ongoing care or treatment you need. Our specialists will work to make sure any settlement reflects the full impact of your injury.

What does an airline injury claim cover?

An airline injury claim can cover your medical expenses, both abroad and ongoing care in the UK as well as rehabilitation costs. It can also cover any loss of earnings or travel costs related to the injury and aims to put you in the financial position you would have been in if you were never injured. Your pain and suffering, and psychological impact, are also taken into account when valuing the claim.

Is there any financial risk to me in making a claim?

Most airline injury claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you in pursuing a claim. We’ll explain the funding arrangement clearly before you proceed, so you understand exactly where you stand.