SingaporeI was bumped from a flight. Must the airline rebook me?
Yes, if you were bumped from a flight in Singapore, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight or provide a full refund, depending on your choice and the circumstances.
What the Law Says
The Carriage by Air Act governs air passenger rights in Singapore, including obligations when passengers are denied boarding — commonly called 'bumping'. Section 3 sets out the airline’s duty to assist affected passengers.
Under Singapore law, if an airline denies you boarding against your will (e.g., due to overbooking), it must offer you a choice: either rebooking on the next available flight to your destination, or a full refund of your ticket. This applies to flights departing from or arriving in Singapore operated by airlines licensed in Singapore or subject to the Act.
The law does not specify a time limit for 'next available flight', but the airline must act reasonably and promptly. You may also be entitled to care (e.g., meals, communications, accommodation) while waiting — though this is governed by airline policy or international agreements like the Montreal Convention, not the Carriage by Air Act itself.
Statutory TextWhere a person is denied boarding on a flight, the carrier shall, at the passenger’s option, either— (a) carry the passenger on another flight as soon as possible; or (b) refund the full cost of the ticket.
— Carriage by Air Act, s. 3 — Duty where boarding is denied
What to Do
Ask the airline staff immediately for written confirmation of the denial of boarding and your options.
Choose either rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund — state your choice clearly.
If you’re entitled to care (e.g., food, phone calls, hotel), request it — though this isn’t mandated by s. 3, many airlines provide it voluntarily or under international standards.
Keep all receipts and documentation (boarding pass, email confirmations, photos of notices) in case of dispute.
If the airline refuses to comply, contact the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) for assistance.
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.