SingaporeWhat is the time limit to file a claim against an airline?
You must file a claim against an airline in Singapore within 2 years from the date of arrival, or from the date the aircraft should have arrived, under the Carriage by Air Act.
What the Law Says
The time limit to file a legal claim against an airline for matters like injury, death, or baggage loss during international or domestic air travel in Singapore is set by statute.
Under Singapore law, the Carriage by Air Act governs claims arising from air travel. It incorporates the Montreal Convention (1999), which sets strict deadlines for legal action against airlines.
The law says you cannot bring a lawsuit more than 2 years after the event that gives rise to the claim — specifically, after the date the aircraft arrived at its destination, or the date it should have arrived. This deadline is absolute: missing it means your claim is legally barred, with no extensions allowed.
Statutory TextAn action for damages must be brought within two years, reckoned from the date of arrival at the destination, or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived.
— Carriage by Air Act, s. 3 — Limitation of actions
What to Do
Note the exact date of arrival (or expected arrival) of your flight — this starts the 2-year clock.
Gather all relevant documents: boarding pass, baggage tag, medical reports, or correspondence with the airline.
Consult a lawyer before the 2-year deadline expires — courts will dismiss claims filed even one day late.
If your claim involves injury or death, ensure medical evidence and witness statements are collected promptly.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.